From OHC, Specialists in the Treatment of Adult Cancers and Blood Disorders
October 30, 2022
At OHC, we know when you hear the word cancer, everything stops. Integral to our comprehensive cancer care program is connecting patients, their loved ones, and their caregivers with cancer-focused community support resources to help alleviate the burden of the disease. One such organization, Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG), provides meals, rides to treatment, housecleaning essentials, and peer support free of charge to breast cancer and gynecologic cancer patients and their families.
Founded by three breast cancer survivors in 2002, PRG is a nonprofit organization on a mission to balance the fear and uncertainty that breast and gynecologic cancers bring to individuals and their families. With headquarters in Clayton, Ohio, PRG has five service regions: Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio; and Bay Area, California, and St. Louis, Missouri.
OHC breast cancer patient and PRG beneficiary Tracy Meiners describes PRG as “a very reassuring resource to have.” Tracy was diagnosed with breast cancer this past July after a screening mammogram and additional imaging were abnormal. A resident of Springdale, Ohio, Tracy was working as a study coordinator at CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting when she selected OHC medical oncologist and hematologist D. Randolph Drosick, MD, after receiving a recommendation from a co-worker.
Dr. Drosick started Tracy on a treatment plan using Keytruda, an immunotherapy, and chemotherapy infusions to shrink her tumor prior to surgery to remove any remaining cancerous tissue. “I don’t know what I’d do without the transportation PRG provided for my treatments,” said Tracy. “I would have been in a mess as I live alone and sometimes my daughter can’t take me. I can get really tired after treatment and wanted the transportation back home as a safety precaution.”
Tracy also receives healthy meals and housecleaning supplies from PRG. Healthy meals prepared by Freshly are delivered directly to her doorstep. “The meals are pre-made and refrigerated,” noted Tracy. “I have an app on my phone that I use weekly to order my four free meals for the week.” A PRG housecleaning kit includes a lightweight vacuum and all-natural cleaning supplies from Branch Basics. “The vacuum is wonderful because it’s so light,” added Tracy. “I use it throughout my entire home.”
PRG, whose slogan is: No one travels this road alone, also offers a variety of support groups and informational community programs. “Coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment is overwhelming and oftentimes isolating,” noted Dr. Drosick. “At OHC, we are beyond grateful for the critical services PRG provides to our patients. All of them contribute to patient healing.”
OHC is a proud sponsor of PRG services which are funded through community support, including corporate donations and grants. To support the organization as a volunteer or donor, visit their website, pinkribbongirls.org. If you are interested in receiving PRG services, talk to your nurse navigator or a member of your oncology care team who will submit a referral or use the online form at this link: https://www.pinkribbongirls.org/receive-services.
OHC and our cancer patients are fortunate to be surrounded by cancer community organizations such as Pink Ribbon Girls. For more information on patient and caregiver support or to request a second opinion with an OHC cancer expert, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.
Top picture: Tracy Meiners (center) is looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her favorite girls, her daughter, Heidi Kingsley (left), granddaughter, Nadia Kingsley (right), and her seven-month-old great-granddaughter, Navi Roberson.
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