International Strategic Cancer Alliance

Dear ISCA,

I just wanted to follow up with a special thank you for all the support and guidance you have given me over the past months. It goes without saying that this incidious disease called cancer continues to challenge me everyday not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. To come face to face with the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer has been difficult enough, but the most challenging aspect for me has been in my attempt to find a group of health care professionals that would be willing to work with me in true partnership as I try to navigate my way through this journey. It was something I had not found until I met you and began to work with the ISCA.

I thank God for leading me to you and your group of practioners at ISCA. As you know I struggled for months working within my healthcare system trying to identify and secure the best treatment for my current situation and met much resistance from my own physicians regarding the appropriate time to begin treatment as my disease was given a chance to progress. If it were not for your ombudsmanship and advocacy, I am not sure where I would be today. I thank you for intervening on my behalf and working with my oncologist. It was because of you and your network of physicians that as my condition changed I was ready to move forward quickly with a protocol that offered hope.

In addition I must say that from the first time we spoke, I knew I had found the right place. It was clear you possessed a deep understanding of my situation, the challenges I was confronted with while trying to navigate through my healthcare system, and the struggle I was faced with in determining a plan of care that was best for me and my individual needs. The expertise you provided and the network of people you have put me in touch with is something I could not have done on my own nor would I have gotten from my current healthcare system. Don't get me wrong I am in a good place, have a good doctor, and their intention is to provide good care. The system just does not allow for individualized care and attention. This is something no cancer patient should have to contend with, the diagnosis and all that it encompasses should be enough.

I want to thank you for bringing the ISCA into the healthcare arena. The work that you do is so very much needed for individuals confronted with a cancer diagnosis. It is so important to not feel alone in this journey, especially with one's healthcare providers. You have helped me to not feel alone. I now know their is someone out there truely concerned about my plan of care and what is best for me as an individual, it is you and the ISCA.

ISCA has bridged the gap that existed between me and my healthcare system. ISCA has helpe d me to get the care I believe I needed. Most importantly, ISCA has brought together the expertise needed to address my care as an individual, and done so in collaboration with my doctor. ISCA has also helped me to address my needs not only from an allopathic perspective, but from a holistic perspective as well. Something I believe to be critical for my healing.

Again, I want to thank you and ISCA for being there for me. The comprehensive services you have provided, the network of experts you have made available to me and the critical support, guidance and expertise you have offered are more than I could have ever found, but had always hoped for.

With Sincere and Deep Appreciation,

S.P
Pittsburgh, PA