- by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center 

Cancer survivorship is a testament to human strength, resilience, and hope. It’s not just about living with courage through cancer, but about celebrating life every step of the way. 

Every survivor’s story is unique, showcasing extraordinary strength and hope. This blog honors the journeys of survivors, celebrates milestones, and acknowledges the supportive communities that uplift them along the way. 

How Survivors Celebrate Their Journey

Survivors find heartfelt ways to mark their journeys, from remission anniversaries to small, everyday joys like sharing a meal or watching a sunrise. Many join awareness events, engage in art, or simply savor moments of gratitude and reflection. These traditions symbolize celebration and inspire hope, strength, and beauty.

The Role of Loved Ones in Survivorship

Friends and family play an important role in a survivor’s life. Whether offering a hug, lending an ear, or helping with daily tasks, their care and support create a foundation of strength and reassurance. Small acts of love can make a big difference. 

Finding Joy in Celebration 

Celebrations, big or small, offer survivors a chance to reflect and connect. Through shared stories, laughter, and milestones, these moments honor the challenges overcome and inspire hope for the future.  

Whether a Survivor, Loved One or Supporter—Join the Celebration

Survivorship shows how strong and resilient people can be, not just in June when it’s celebrated, but every day. By sharing stories and challenges, we build a supportive community filled with strength and hope. Together, we can create a united community rooted in strength and hope that lasts a lifetime. 

What does survivorship mean to you? Every story matters—share yours and join the conversation!

Expert Cancer Care, Close to Home

Redeemer Health takes a multi-disciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more, call 215-938-3555 or visit redeemerhealth.org/cancer-care. 

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health Cancer Center, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.

Meadowbrook, PA, June 16, 2026 — Arielle Fields, MD, joined Redeemer Health Primary Care at Warminster, a Redeemer Health physician practice providing comprehensive, patient-centered family medicine.

Dr. Fields provides preventive care and wellness services, chronic disease management, specialist referrals, geriatric care, and hospital-to-home transition care. Her work emphasizes preventive health management and care coordination to help improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Fields earned a medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. She has also pursued additional coursework through Johns Hopkins University focused on the role of AI in health care.

"Primary care is about building long-term relationships and helping patients make informed decisions about their health at every stage of life," said Dr. Fields. "I want patients to feel informed, supported, and empowered in their care. By focusing on individualized treatment plans and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, my goal is to help people manage complex conditions and live healthier lives."

To learn more about Dr. Fields, visit her physician directory profile here. Call 215-357-4066 to make an appointment at Redeemer Health Primary Care at Warminster.

Huntingdon Valley, PA, June 2026 – George Washington High School (GWHS) 2026 graduates hosted one of their own alumni to deliver their commencement address on Wednesday. Redeemer Health hematologist and oncologist Dr. Michael Rachshtut reminded the grads that their future is determined by what they do with the opportunities in front of them.

“As an immigrant student sitting in these classrooms, I did not have special connections,” he said. “What I had were teachers who cared, opportunities to learn, and the belief that if I worked hard enough, doors would open. And they did.”

When GWHS received $10,000 in funding for their “Unity Project: Kindness in Action,” they got an unexpected surprise when they crossed paths with Dr. Rachshtut (aka, Dr. Mickey). The Unity Project supplied “joy boxes” to patients in chemotherapy and radiation therapy at Holy Redeemer Hospital, and Dr. Mickey introduced himself to the GWHS ambassadors. Dr. Mickey, as it turns out, had a lot to reflect on dating back to his days at the school. When his family migrated to Philadelphia during his sophomore year, he spoke no English and started his tenure at GWHS learning English as a second language. By the time he graduated with the class of 1993, he was fluent in English, he overcame a speech impediment that plagued his younger years, and he was accepted to college. 

Now the chief of hematology and oncology at Redeemer Health Cancer Center, and a father of three, Dr. Rachshtut still makes his home in Huntingdon Valley, a stone’s throw from GWHS. 

“Years ago, George Washington High School invested in me,” he shared with the graduates. “Today, George Washington students are investing in others. That is what community looks like.” He acknowledged the importance of the Unity Project, as it reflects character, service and compassion.

About Redeemer Health Cancer Center: Redeemer Health Cancer Center offers expert treatments and renewed hope, close to home. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer, we provide innovative care and access to clinical trials, keeping you at the forefront of cancer research. Each treatment plan is carefully tailored by specialists, guided by a dedicated nurse navigator, and delivered by experienced physicians. With free parking just steps away, expert care is more accessible and compassionate than ever. At Redeemer Health, you’re embraced by a team dedicated to your health, your journey, and your hope.

Your Trusted Partners in Women's Health Care 

At Redeemer Health, we understand that every woman’s health journey is unique and deeply personal.

Our CarePath nurse navigators are here to support you through every phase of your women's health journey. From understanding test results and coordinating follow-up care to supporting with breastfeeding, childbirth, and newborn care—our compassionate team is here to guide you with experience and heart.

Redeemer Health's CarePath Nurse Navigators are dedicated to making your health journey easier and more manageable. 

How We Support You:

• Help you understand test results, diagnoses, and next steps
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up care
• Assist with transportation or insurance needs
• Provide breastfeeding, childbirth, and newborn support
• Connect you with mental health or substance use resources
• Offer follow-up care after emergency or triage visits

Wherever you are on your path, our Nurse Navigators walk alongside you, offering the reassurance and support you need to confidently make decisions about your care.

Learn more about our CarePath Nurse Navigators now.

Both of Redeemer Health’s skilled nursing facilities earned the Heart Failure Certification by the American Heart Association. The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities like St. Joseph Manor and The Lafayette against the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based requirements for heart failure (HF) patients, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

Nearly one in four HF patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge and approximately half are readmitted within six months. About one quarter of readmissions may be preventable. This certification can support facilities’ efforts to stop preventable readmissions, according to the association.

"Heart failure patients need high-quality care after leaving the hospital, following evidence-based guidelines and giving them the best chance to improve their health,” said Colleen Lawson, Associate Vice President and NHA at The Lafayette.

"We want to be trailblazers and continue to use innovative methods to give our heart failure patients the best care. The American Heart Association has armed us with additional tools and recognized our commitment. It is an honor to have our processes and efforts recognized in this way," added D. Freeman, Vice President and Administrator at St. Joseph Manor.

To be eligible for this certification, skilled nursing facilities must be in the U.S. or a U.S. territory and implement an HF program that uses a standardized method of delivering clinical care based on current evidence-based guidelines. Learn more about this certification and others at www.Heart.org/CertifiedCare.

April 24, 2026 – Holy Redeemer Child Care Center was thrilled to host a visit from State Rep. Ben Sanchez last week to kick off an observance of the center’s 40th anniversary. Rep. Sanchez also noted that April is the Month of the Young Child, so he took time to read to the kids and to do a little Earth Day gardening with them. 

"It’s important to support those who lay the foundation of education and love of learning,” said Rep. Sanchez. “I am grateful for the child care and preschool programs across the commonwealth for readying our youngest learners for their K-12 schooling and instilling a love of learning that will hopefully last a lifetime.”

Joining Rep. Sanchez during his visit to the child care center was Sim Loh, a public policy specialist at First Up, which is southeastern Pennsylvania’s advocate for high-quality early childhood education.

Holy Redeemer Child Care Center cares for children from six weeks old to five years of age. Located on the campus of Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, Pa., the center has a STAR 4 rating from the Keystone STARS early learning quality initiative. For more information, click here or call 215-938-3382. This May will mark the 40-year milestone for the center, serving its community since 1986.

Authored by Stacey L. DonFrancesco, DO, FACS, FACOS, Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Redeemer Health Cancer Center 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of caring for and protecting our skin.

As a reconstructive surgeon, seeing the impact of skin cancer firsthand reinforces the importance of prevention. A daily sun-safe routine requires little effort but offers lifelong protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Sunscreen: Your First Line of Defense 

A strong sun-safe routine begins with the right sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to effectively shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, and hands, every morning. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. 

Did You Know? Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, making sun protection essential every day—rain or shine!

Dress for UV Defense 

Sunscreen is just the start—physical barriers are key for full protection. A wide-brimmed hat can shield your face and scalp, while UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes and nearby skin. For outdoor activities, wear Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)-rated clothing to keep harmful rays off your skin. 

Smart Sun Habits for Lasting Protection

To protect your skin for the long run, adopt smart sun habits that limit your exposure. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so seek shade during these peak hours whenever possible. Steer clear of indoor tanning beds, as they emit concentrated UV radiation that greatly increases your risk of melanoma.

Building sun-safe habits today is an investment in your skin’s health for the future. Pair daily protection with regular visits to a dermatologist to monitor your skin and catch any concerns early. Your skin will thank you for the care—now and in the long run!

Always apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before stepping outside so it has time to absorb.

To learn more about Redeemer Health Restorative Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, click here or call 215-447-8054.

Expert Cancer Care, Close to Home 
Redeemer Health Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary, disease-site approach to cancer care. Our experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. Patients have direct access to their entire cancer care team, building trusted relationships with the specialists who guide and support them throughout their journey. With access to the latest research and clinical trials, we provide advanced treatments and renewed hope, delivering expert cancer care with comfort and convenience close to home. To learn more, call 215-938-3555 or visit RedeemerHealth.org/Cancer-Center.

About the Author 
As one of the few female board-certified plastic surgeons in the Greater Philadelphia area, Dr. Stacey L. DonFrancesco prioritizes putting her patients at ease. Focusing her practice on breast and body cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, she offers treatment options that support a positive body image and overall health and well-being. Dr. DonFrancesco’s dedication to nurturing meaningful relationships with her patients and the skill to envision and perform life-changing surgeries are hallmarks of her patient-centered practice.

The team at Holy Redeemer Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit had a reunion with a special NICU grad last week. 

Six-year-old Lucas returned to his first home-away-from-home for a visit, with mom and dad and five siblings by his side. The NICU’s nurses and neonatologists shared hugs and stories with Lucas and his family, remembering his first month and his discharge during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Now a kindergartner on the wrestling squad, Lucas is all smiles and is lovin’ life.