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PATIENT PROFILE
Colleen ' s story
The Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center surrounds you with people who understand what you ’ re going through .
Lisa Kirby , RN , and Colleen
Colleen Kleuser ’ s life took an unexpected turn in February 2022 . After a blood clot was discovered in her leg , Colleen endured a barrage of tests . She ’ d been healthy her whole life and was now suddenly in uncharted territory .
Eventually the tests revealed that there was a mass in her pelvis that was contained in her right ovary . When she received the diagnosis of ovarian cancer , Colleen leaned on her brother , a retired orthopedic surgeon to help her understand and decipher what she was hearing from the various doctors at all of her appointments .
Only a few months later , however , her brother unexpectedly passed away , leaving Colleen alone and scared .
Over the next eight months , Colleen ’ s journey led her to surgery , chemotherapy , Survivor Gals and , eventually , to the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center ( JKCRC ).
It wasn ’ t until Colleen visited Survivor Gals , a specialty boutique located within Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth , that she learned of the JKCRC . The team at the boutique that specializes in wigs , scarves and
hats , among other products for women undergoing chemotherapy treatment or radiatation , asked her if she had connected with JKCRC . When she said she hadn ’ t , they immediately went next door and brought Lisa Kirby , RN , over to introduce her .
According to Colleen , nurse navigator Lisa took her under her wing like an angel . She provided resources , cookbooks and general information about how to live well as a cancer survivor .
Colleen Kreuser
“ Lisa has been my biggest cheerleader . It ’ s like God gave me a second family to hold on to during this journey ,” said Colleen .
Colleen says her experience at the JKCRC was transformational . Upon learning
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about the various support services offered , she actively engaged and began attending monthly art therapy classes and cancer support groups . She also began attending weekly yoga classes and personal training .
Colleens says that these services went beyond healing ; they created a support system for her during her most trying times .
Colleen ' s story embodies the heart and soul of JKCRC — a sanctuary of hope where individuals facing cancer find not just resources but also solace , camaraderie and support .
Today , Colleen is one-year cancer free and still actively participates in all of the services offered at the JKCRC .
For more information on how on how the Foundation supports the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center , please contact Cristie King at 817.922.7714 or Cristie . King @ BSWHealth . org .
“ The Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center is a safe haven . I didn ’ t know what I faced ahead of me when I heard the words , ‘ You have ovarian cancer .’ My world shattered underneath me . The Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center surrounded me with direction and guidance from understanding people .” — Colleen Kleuser
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2023
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