September 2, 2025 • 31 mins
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. While medical treatment targets the disease, what about the person—their fears, their appearance, their family, their spirit? Laurin Scanlon from AHN's Integrative Oncology Division reveals the extraordinary support system maybe you never knew existed.
The program, fully launched in 2023 after years of development, focuses on four pillars: health and fitness, diet and nutrition, image and appearance, and mind and body. What makes these services extra special is their accessibility—most are completely free and available to anyone with cancer, regardless of where they receive treatment or what insurance they carry. Even more impressive, many services are offered virtually, allowing patients to participate from home when they don't feel well enough to travel.
Laurin shares details about their award-winning wig salon that serves all genders, races, and hair types; cooking classes that welcome entire families including children; vouchers for services like massage and acupuncture; and gentle movement classes. The program doesn't just support patients either—it embraces caregivers, family members, and friends who are also profoundly affected by a loved one's diagnosis.
Behind these services are dedicated volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually. From therapy dogs bringing joy during treatment to behind-the-scenes volunteers crafting dignity gowns and comfort items, these individuals become part of the patient's journey. For Laurin, whose grandfather received cancer treatment at AHN facilities, the mission is deeply personal—a way to honor his memory by helping others navigate their own cancer journeys with more support and dignity. For Sherry, whose father inspired the birth of this podcast also received cancer treatment at AHN. Cohost Jodi's mom also received cancer treatment at AHN. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor our loved ones and all those fighting cancer.
Whether you're facing cancer yourself or standing beside someone who is, one phone call to 412-330-4045 connects you with this comprehensive support system. No referrals needed, no insurance requirements—just human-centered care that acknowledges healing involves much more than medicine alone.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Sherry Ehrin (00:00):
Welcome back to the place where we're getting
through the hard stuff byconnecting you with the people,
the tools, the services and theinspiration to keep you going.
But when life throws yousomething as heavy and
life-changing as a cancerdiagnosis, it can be so hard to
find your way through.
So, right from the start, todaywe want you to know that this
(00:20):
episode is about real support,including mostly free and lesser
known and newer resources thatare designed to care for the
whole person, not just theillness, as well as their
caretakers, family and friends.
So, whether you're walkingthrough treatment yourself or
standing beside someone who is,this conversation is for you.
(00:41):
On this episode, we're talkingabout the kind of care that
tends to your whole self mind,body and spirit and helps you
take meaningful steps towardhealing and hope.
Our guest today is LaurenScanlon, program Manager at AHN
Cancer Institute IntegrativeOncology Division.
Lauren's work brings healingsupport to patients, caregivers
(01:03):
and volunteers through calmingspaces, therapy services and
meaningful connections.
She's here to share what'savailable, what's possible and
how to access resources that youmight not even know exist.
You don't have to face thisalone, so let's get into it.
Welcome, Lauren.
Thanks for joining us today.
I was hoping that you couldstart by helping our listeners
understand what integrativeoncology really means and how
(01:27):
it's different from andcomplements, traditional cancer
treatment.
Laurin Scanlon (01:31):
Yeah, thank you so much for having me so excited
to share our resources.
Our program is relatively new,although we've been building
bits and pieces here atAllegheny Health Network since
2019.
Our integrative oncologyprogram really got its legs
under it to stand up in 2023when we opened up our
integrative oncology clinic withDr Sarah Miller and our
(01:52):
patients that have cancer gothrough so many different
doctors, so many differentsuggestions and ultimately they
come up with a plan of care.
Our goal in integrative is tohelp support that plan of care
plan of care.
So what we do is we really tryto focus on treating the whole
person and not just theirdisease.
As an integrative oncologypatient, we give our folks the
(02:14):
opportunity to build a team ofexperts to enhance their
well-being.
The practice of integratedmedicine itself caring for your
health at all levels mental,physical, social and spiritual
has been around for a littlewhile.
But what we try to do is to goa step further, complementing
conventional cancer care.
We try to provide additionalsupport that bolsters the
(02:37):
standards of treatment that isprescribed, without alternating
the medical or the radiationoncologist's main plan of care.
Whenever we meet with ourpatients.
We discuss disease andtreatment-related side effects
and then explore different waysthat our therapies or programs
can help support that.
Our main goal is we try tocombat side effects without the
(03:00):
use of medication.
Our treatment focuses on fourmain pillars health and fitness,
diet and nutrition, image andappearance, and mind and body.
So throughout those fourdifferent pillars we really try
to enhance the quality of lifeof our patients, no matter what
part of their journey they're in, whether they're just starting
(03:22):
and overwhelmed they've beenthrough a cycle or two of
treatment or they're coming outof surgery and combating what's
next, or if they're starting thenew, you know unknown into
survivorship.
There's a lot of questions andchallenges patients have and our
goal is to try to just enhancethat experience through
(03:42):
knowledge, experience usingpeople locally in our community
and I think that's what I'm veryproud of with our program is
that we have a lot of wonderfullocal, community-based resources
throughout Western Pennsylvania.
With our partnership we makeall of our programs accessible
to patients, no matter wherethey're at, and we've taken a
(04:03):
lot of our programs and put themon Zoom platforms so when
you're not feeling good afteryou've had treatment or surgery,
you don't necessarily need tocome in to get all this great
information.
You could do it from thecomfort of your home, while
you're eating dinner in yourpajama pants.
Sherry Ehrin (04:20):
You don't know what you're going to face or
feel like when you wake up thatday, and sometimes you know that
would result in someonecanceling an appointment or just
maybe not even scheduling onein the first place.
So that's one good thing Accessremotely.
Laurin Scanlon (04:35):
Yeah, and we find a lot of our patients also
commonly have a feeling ofisolation.
So really kind of breaking thatbarrier, overcoming that hurdle
of, you know, not feeling goodand missing out on a great thing
.
We try to put patients togetherin our programs that are all
going through a similar thing ormaybe just went through it to
kind of help.
And with that we've actuallyfound groups of patients that
(04:58):
kind of stick together and theysay, oh, now that we've done
this together, it was like alittle bonding experience.
Did you do this other programyet or are you going to that one
?
And we find that these groupsof folks just kind of stick
together and do like a littlebit of everything on our menu of
services, which is really nice.
We find that more so with ourcooking classes.
That was something that we justlaunched.
(05:19):
Last year we did a pilot andagain, you know, my family was
affected by cancer and it's notjust the patient that's affected
, it's the whole team, it's thecaregiver, it's the friend, it's
the coworker, the neighbor, thekids, even grandkids.
So what we've tried to do iscreate experiences not just for
patients, not just theircaregivers, but their entire
(05:43):
family and their entire supportsystem.
Sherry Ehrin (05:45):
I'm so glad that you mentioned that, because
often it's overlooked at howmuch the caretaker and you know
the loved ones are affected, soit's so important to have
something like that yeah.
Laurin Scanlon (05:58):
And I can do a little review of our programs
too, some of the services weoffer that we're really well
known for number one, our wigsalon, and if you can see, I'm
sitting in one right now.
We recently won an award lastyear for the category of equity
with Highmark.
We took our wig program andexpanded it so we're not just
(06:18):
Caucasian female wigs, we'reinclusive of all genders, all
races, all hair types.
So important, it's wonderful.
And we have seven wig locationsthroughout Western Pennsylvania
and we have an additionaleighth one that is virtual.
So, again, the comfort of yourhome.
We're able to do fittings.
We've been doing fittingsvirtually actually since 2021,
(06:39):
very successfully.
And for those folks that can'tcome in to try it on, we
actually mail the wig theychoose to their home and it's no
fee to them.
We also give them additionalsupplies to help care for the
wig, tips on how to clean andmaintain it for longevity and
other things to wear whenthey're not wearing your wig.
So it's really a whole packagewhen you come to us and it's
(07:01):
free to anybody with cancer, notjust AHN patients, not just
Highmark Insured patients.
We're here to care for ourcommunity.
Sherry Ehrin (07:09):
Oh, so good.
How does somebody get connectedto a service like that?
Laurin Scanlon (07:13):
Yeah, so we make it really simple, we
streamlined it.
So, like I said, the WIG is oneof many programs.
We have one phone number youcall and we just kind of offer
these things and say, whenyou're ready, let's get you
signed up.
You know, if you're ready today, we'll sign you up today.
If you're ready, you know,after your first cycle of chemo,
we'll wait and get that done.
Or if you have a pendingsurgery coming up, we can wait
(07:34):
till after that.
But the main number is 412330-4045.
You don't need a referral.
You don't need any of that.
If you're a non-AHN patient,the only thing we ask for is a
letter from your doctor orsomeone on your care team that
says you do have a cancerdiagnosis, your name and date of
(07:55):
birth, just so we know thatit's you.
But we help so many people.
Especially when we were comingout of the pandemic and
launching these virtual programsin 2021 and so forth, we
actually helped several folksout of the state.
We've shipped wigs and cosmetickits and skincare kits as far
across the country as LosAngeles and Washington State.
Sherry Ehrin (08:16):
That's incredible.
How is this funded?
Laurin Scanlon (08:19):
So we are very lucky to have some wonderful
donors and anytime we hear a newdonor and get to share about
our program, we're only as goodas our donations Right.
So anybody that wants to make adonation can go to ahn.
org there's a section fordonations and they can type in
integrative oncology or theycould just call our main number
again and we can route them withmore detailed directions.
(08:44):
But we're very lucky to workwith just some local folks that
are really passionate.
Maybe they've been through it,maybe they know somebody, and
that's how we get connected.
There's a couple of localorganizations too we partner
with.
We invite them to come on siteto things like our cooking
classes, like once or twice ayear, just to get that boots on
the ground feel.
It's great when our donors wantto donate philanthropically,
but whenever we have largeorganizations that want to
(09:06):
donate, we try to give them aslice of that experience to see
how their impact financially isreally helping people.
And I can honestly say witheach interaction we have, people
move to tears because ourpatients are so grateful, our
community members are so and itallows us to pursue additional
programs, to grow the program.
Sherry Ehrin (09:25):
Yeah, I'm feeling that, as you're talking to me,
yeah, it's, yeah, that's awesome, and I'm thinking of the
listeners and just when you lovesomebody that receives a cancer
diagnosis and you know it's, wedo all the things that we try
and it's showing up in differentways and this is a great way to
(09:50):
show up for a loved one withcancer, just by connecting them
with that phone number andletting them take it from there
even so, cause I never, I'venever heard of this until I met
you at the luncheon.
So I'm happy to be able to getit out to more people, because
it is an incredible organization.
Laurin Scanlon (10:10):
So thank you.
And what we find unique, too,about our situation is, again,
we're not like giving medicinenecessarily.
We're giving like tips andtricks.
Whenever we do, like our careand cosmetics or our caring for
your skin and nails what you'relike tutorial classes, tips and
best practices.
Sometimes we'll have people sayhey, can my daughter sit in on
(10:32):
the class, or my granddaughter,or can my mom sit in with me,
and you know we put them off tothe side so she can still listen
and learn.
Or whenever we do in personversion of those classes, the
patient most likely alwaysbrings a support person and it's
so fun just to see that dynamicof the kit that we're giving
them of safe, healthy,paraben-free, cruelty-free,
(10:53):
vegan-friendly, hypoallergenicproducts.
Yeah, everybody kind of forgetswhy they're there.
They're focused on the makeup,they're focused on the skincare,
they're focused on the skincarecream.
It's a bonding experiencethat's unique and sometimes in
our classes, like the makeup one, for example, we have different
shades in all the bags andthey're put together by our
licensed cosmetologist whovolunteered to do the program
(11:16):
and host it, and sometimes yousee women swapping color
palettes oh, you're more of apeach, I'm more of a pink, let's
switch.
So I think that's really nice,and then it brings a positive
distraction, much like our otherprograms and even our
volunteers.
When you see a volunteer in ared jacket at a cancer center,
they're asking you about yourday, they're filling you in on
(11:38):
what's new with them.
We even have four-legged pettherapy volunteer dogs.
I'm sitting at Forbes today andactually yesterday we had a
patient who was celebrating abirthday, and we don't typically
have a dog on Wednesday.
They're on vacation.
Right now.
We have some folks that go awayfor the summer, so we called in
another team on a day thatwasn't necessarily their day.
(11:59):
They brought in a balloon forthe gentleman and celebrated his
birthday, and it made hisjourney.
He's ringing the bell laterthis week.
It made his journey a littlebit easier.
It gave him a story to talkabout.
Everybody around him was realexcited and it made our staff
stay too.
I mean, it's just wonderfulthings that we can do human to
(12:20):
human.
Obviously, I'm not a nurse, I'mnot clinical, but if I can roll
up my sleeves and help the nextperson, that's what I want to
do in life.
Sherry Ehrin (12:27):
Yeah, it's so important, yeah, awesome.
And you're bringing us rightinto talking about the
volunteers, because you alsomanage the volunteer program
connected to integrativeoncology.
Can you share some ways thatvolunteers can make a difference
?
You already have, but what elseis available if somebody would
(12:48):
like to get involved withsupporting integrative oncology
program that you have?
Laurin Scanlon (12:53):
Yeah, that would be great.
So we love having volunteers.
We typically look for peoplethat we can keep on board
long-term.
What's unique aboutvolunteering at a cancer center
versus like a larger hospital oran outpatient facility really
is you kind of go along thejourney with our patients.
So we want to make sure anybodycan bring in.
You know, I will say, most ofour folks that volunteer have
(13:14):
somehow been touched or affectedby someone in their life, if
not themselves being a cancersurvivor.
So it's a lot of meaningfulthings.
I'm here because my family hadcancer and being able to pay it
forward is the greatest rewardthat I could ask for.
So whenever we meet withpotential volunteer candidates,
we want to make sure thatthey're emotionally ready to
take that journey.
(13:34):
And I think what surprises alot of our folks is you really
get close to the patients.
You're volunteering close tohome because we have many cancer
centers, and you kind of ridethat journey along with the
patient.
You know when they have gooddays you have a good day, when
they have a not so good day andmaybe don't get great news.
You feel that in your heart.
(13:55):
But it's just this unique bondthat we have when our volunteers
are scheduled it's typicallyonce a week for about a four.
They, when our volunteers arescheduled it's typically once a
week for about a four.
They come in and they're kindof put in a position.
So things that they can do area wayfinder, meaning that that's
a role where they help patientsfind their way.
They greet them at the frontdoor, they stay there,
especially in Pittsburgh snowyweather, when it's snowing
(14:18):
outside or someone's leaning offa car, or this summer it rains
a lot, so we keep them companyand then we help them get to
where they're going.
The other one is a patientrounder.
So these are the folks actuallyrounding in the medical
oncology infusion centers.
They're providing comfort,support, a listening ear, a
pillow, snacks, coffee tea, thatkind of stuff.
(14:39):
Pillow snacks, coffee tea, thatkind of stuff.
Next, we have pet therapyvolunteers, so it's hard not to
spot them.
We do have a lot of questionsabout can I bring my dog to work
or can I bring my dog to thecancer center?
We need to make sure they arecertified as a pet therapy dog
and the person is certified tohandle them.
One of the programs I startedhere is actually a scholarship
(15:03):
fund.
So if anyone's listening andthey're an AHN or Highmark
employee that has a dog theythink could qualify for pet
therapy, reach out to me, callthat me number, the 412-330-4045
.
We actually help our staff gettheir dog certified, and
themselves as well if they'reinterested.
But we don't do cats, so justdogs.
(15:26):
No chickens, no cows, no pigs,no horses, just dogs at our site
.
Have you had that as a question?
We have, yes, we have, and somepeople have some really
talented pets that are not dogsthat they would like to bring in
.
But it makes us smile.
I'm sure it would make ourpatients smile too.
But unfortunately, being in ahospital, there are a lot of
policies and regulations that wehave to make sure we're
(15:48):
bringing in certain types ofanimals that are called by Sure.
Yeah, I've heard a lot ofinteresting stories over the
years.
Right, some other volunteerprograms that we have music
therapy.
We have art therapy therapy,which is a smaller program we're
looking to expand.
We have volunteers that do wigfittings in the space behind me.
(16:10):
Uh, that is a hot volunteerrole, though everybody wants it
and right now we're full , butit's wonderful to have and I
think the more people we can fitwith wigs benefiting from this
podcast, the more we can expandour team.
Yeah, absolutely, we do havelicensed cosmetologists and
estheticians that volunteer andthen, believe it or not, there
(16:31):
are a lot of volunteers thathelp us that don't even come on
site.
There are sewers, knitters,crocheters.
They make things like dignitygowns, which is a smock top with
Velcro.
You have to have a certainsewing machine to do that, but
they do those for our radiationoncology patients, specifically
breast cancer patients.
So when a woman goes to receivetreatment, she doesn't have to
(16:54):
go in bare chested for thetreatment.
Our techs help un-Velcro acertain section to remain
dignity for the other side ofher body.
That's not getting radiation.
Yes, so we have things likethat.
I'm sitting in a room right now,like I said, the wig salon
where we have our sewingvolunteers.
Judy and her group of sewersshe calls the knitwits are
(17:15):
sewing turbans and bucket hats.
So again, not just stuff forladies but for guys too.
We also were very fortunate inour wig salon program to have
donations of baseball hats fromthe Pittsburgh Pirates.
We received recognition duringthe Roberto Clemente Day of
Service last year.
So we have a mix of pirate hats.
(17:35):
We have another hat partnerthat donated just non-branded
baseball hats to us in solidcolors.
So we really try to fiteverybody in what they need and
what they're going through.
But our volunteers make so muchof the programs possible.
The last couple of years ourvolunteers we get about a
hundred or so a year in theCancer Institute and they've
(17:56):
donated a little over 7,000hours of service year after year
.
So whenever we talk about ourprograms there's such high
quality volunteers behind itthat make it all possible.
Sherry Ehrin (18:07):
Yeah, it sounds that way and it takes all of it
to make it happen.
Yeah, yeah, yeah Is thereanything else that we need to
know about the volunteerservices that you mentioned,
because I like how you make iteasy that everything's under the
one number, yeah, so forvolunteers.
Laurin Scanlon (18:23):
You can actually go online to ahn.
org, type in the word volunteerand you'll see our application
page.
If you think you can commit tovolunteering like that we do ask
for, like the once a week fourhour shift, more so for the
cancer center because you'rescheduled on a day and a slot,
if you will.
Sherry Ehrin (18:44):
And someone's counting on you to be there.
Laurin Scanlon (18:45):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're allowed to have a
sick day, you can go on vacation.
We want you to enjoy life, butwhen our patients don't see it
too much, they get concerned,they get worried.
You're very much kind of in itwith them, yeah you're part of
it.
Through their journey.
But if you're looking forsomething different that doesn't
have such a strict timecommitment, our hospitals are a
(19:07):
great alternative.
So just go to ahnorg If you'reinterested in the cancer center,
select cancer center oroutpatient facility.
It'll get routed to me.
If you're interested in ahospital role, maybe that's not
so time crunch lenient that'ssomething you can consider too.
The cancer centers are alsoonly open Monday through Friday
during normal business hours, sosometimes we have great
(19:28):
applicants but they're onlyavailable after a workday or on
a weekend.
So hospitals would scoop you up, yeah, so feel free to just
keep us all in mind at AHN andapply and and we'll try to find
a place that fits your needs,Okay that's awesome, yeah.
Sherry Ehrin (19:45):
What about tips for patients and caregivers
while they're not participatingin a program?
What are a few small butimpactful things that patients
and caregivers could do tosupport their emotional wellness
during treatment?
Laurin Scanlon (20:00):
And physical too .
Yeah, I think the first thingto know is you're not alone.
I think cancer even though alot of people may have it or
have a diagnosis that you knowoversee every journey is
different and I think justidentifying the importance of
caregiver burnout is huge.
If you're wearing many hats, ifyou're working as a caregiver,
if you're a parent as acaregiver, if you're caring for
(20:23):
somebody else in addition tosomebody that has a cancer
diagnosis or that's sick, tryand I know it's easier said than
done try to take time foryourself.
Try to do something that fillsyour cup and just talking with
some people.
You know some people,especially in the summertime,
like to garden.
I know for me gardening is huge.
Gardening brings in that senseof just connection with nature
(20:48):
and right now actually, we'reworking with Phipps Conservatory
to get people more in tune withnature for caregivers and
patients.
So you might see some coolstuff coming up down the road
with that, with our program.
But I think anytime you canjust hit a pause on life and
everything you're juggling andfocus on you as a caregiver.
That's what you need.
As far as patients go, cancercan feel very isolating and
(21:12):
everyone's journey is different.
But you're not alone and thereare people that their journey
may be a little different thanyours, but you have supporters.
Cancer can take a lot of thingsfrom you and I think, when
you're ready, having resourceslike ours as simple as learning
how to draw on an eyebrow for awoman that lost her, having
(21:35):
eyebrow thinning or putting on awig if you have an event coming
up or you're going out withyour girlfriends, or even with
our men, we think, oh, women,they're so much more visual.
We can see when a woman doesn'thave hair, when she doesn't
have her eyebrows, if she looksmore drawn and pale than usual,
if there's a spot or a scar onher.
We see that based on oursociety today.
(21:57):
But I think, too, I want toreach out to the men.
You're not alone.
It's not all about the women,it's about everybody.
We're trying to support men.
We're actually having an eventthis year.
It's our first event.
It's a men with cancer,wellness fair and barbecue.
So I know we're going to sharemore information.
Sherry has those details, butif we get a good enough turnout
(22:20):
this year, we hope to make itannual.
We feel like barbecue is agreat way to bring men in.
We're doing healthy spins oneverything so you don't have to
worry about eating things thataren't so good for you.
It's like an extension of ourcooking class that we do, that
we're hosting this event, butit's all focused on those little
things that maybe you're afraidto ask or you don't want to ask
or you're shy to ask, to justhelp break down barriers that
society has put on us for whatwe need to know to live a
(22:43):
healthy life and to manage allof our side effects.
So don't be afraid to reach outfor resources.
We have a slew of programs.
So we talked about the wig, wetalked about the makeup, we
talked about the skin and nails.
We touched a little bit on ourcooking classes.
The cooking classes are forpatients, caregivers.
Caregiver can be your neighbor,your friend, your coworker and
(23:05):
then your entire immediatefamily kids, grandkids.
We actually just piloted abreakout table called the kids
table where we have a licensedchild psychologist sit up and
that's her specialty is workingwith kids.
We made it fun.
So it's not scary, it's notseparating or isolating the kid.
(23:27):
We have a fun little waterthemed tablecloth their kid's
table.
We also have a duck that has achemotherapy port and an IV line
and she can use that with herbackground to help educate and
destigmatize what it looks likeif someone has something like
that.
And then we actually give awaylittle ducklings at the table
(23:47):
for the kids to take home.
So they don't have all theports and you know contraptions
on, like the ducks that we havefor our show and tell portion of
that, but it's just to makekids not so worried, not so
concerned.
Our little ducks sometimes havebandanas on their heads, so if
they're seeing a loved one orcaregiver going through that
it's trying to normalize thoseexperiences.
(24:09):
So it's great for everybody.
We do appetizers, a main course, entree, a side dish and
dessert.
If you're sick and don't feellike eating it, you don't have
to.
You're not cooking, yourcaregiver's not cooking, you're
all just coming getting food.
We have raffles.
Enjoying time together, enjoyingtime sitting across the table
(24:30):
from people that are goingthrough something very similar.
We've seen a lot of caregiverto caregiver bonding over that,
which is unique.
Normally we see patient topatient, but this is caregiver
to caregiver, kids playing withother kids that are going
through the same thing and thento go boxes for everybody.
But we kind of sneak in theresources in there too.
We have a lineup of localpeople that do things based on
(24:52):
where our classes for cookie toeducate are taking place,
keeping community in thecommunity.
In addition to that, we have aprogram called Reflections so
you're going to call our mainnumber for all these things.
But Reflections is a way tolook at yourself and focus on
you, and this is specificallyfor cancer patients.
We give vouchers for servicessuch as massage, reiki,
(25:14):
acupuncture, depending on whereyou're located.
We do manicures, pedicures inthe greater Pittsburgh region,
we have facial services up inErie and in the South Hills we
have a Himalayan salt cape wepartner with and if you've never
gone, let me tell you that isan experience I've never.
If you struggle with relaxing,if you've never gone, let me
tell you that is an experienceI've never.
If you struggle with relaxing,whether you have cancer or not,
(25:35):
you need to go.
Our program is specifically forcancer patients and active
treatment, but we're greatresources for people that don't
qualify and you just want tofind out a safe place to go and,
again, supporting localbusinesses, connecting patients
with their community members andtaking care of one another.
But our last program I'll talkabout is called Movement and
Breathing.
(25:56):
We didn't want to use the wordyoga because that can scare
people.
Yoga is a lot of big moves, butour Movement and Breathing
focuses on energy balance withinyour body, your spirit, and
it's for patients and caregivers.
So with this we talk aboutdifferent ways to relax, to
create a positive sense ofwell-being.
We talk a little bit aboutmindfulness, breath work, gentle
(26:18):
yoga.
We do chair yoga for peoplethat don't want to get on the
mat and we do a little bit ofReiki as well.
So it's a great way to dabblein that, if you've never tried,
you can go to multiple ones ofthose, you don't just have to go
to one.
And then, aside from the freeclasses, we do have an
integrative oncology clinic withDr Sarah Miller.
It's a one-on-one appointmentthat you can really use to spend
(26:40):
with a licensed, certifiedintegrative oncologist and find
out what are some tips or toolsor suggestions to create that
quality of life and reduce mysymptoms that I want to get
under management a little bitbetter, yeah.
Sherry Ehrin (26:54):
And that's a free resource, too?
Laurin Scanlon (26:56):
So the clinic we do have to bill through
insurance.
If you're already seeing us,it's the same cost as a medical
oncology visit.
If you're not currently seeingAHN, it is billed as like a new
referral.
But we've made sure that evenwhen it is being billed, we're
trying to work with everybody toget it at the lowest level we
can.
But aside from the clinic, allof our other programs are 100%
(27:19):
free.
Again, you don't have to be AHN, you don't have to have high
market insurance.
We want to care for ourcommunity and everybody else
that doesn't have theseresources, locally too, that's
so great, so great.
Sherry Ehrin (27:30):
Is there something that we should have talked
about that we missed?
Laurin Scanlon (27:33):
I think that's everything we're actually
working on building out awebsite for our program at the
ahn.
org website.
When it comes out, it will becalled Integrative Oncology and
you'll see one of thesecalendars and our lineup of
events and this is for 2025.
Sherry Ehrin (27:49):
Okay, I can link that in my show notes.
And there was a question I hadfor you.
The spirit that you have, youcan tell it comes from your own
lived experience and that you'reworking within your purpose.
And I was just wondering it issuch a heavy feeling to go
through and so what keeps youhopeful in the work that you do
(28:12):
in this program?
Laurin Scanlon (28:14):
That's great.
I really attribute a lot ofwhere I'm at today being
grateful and thankful to my momespecially.
My mom has had her medicalbattles in the past.
My grandfather was my bestfriend.
I lost him in 1999 because of acancer diagnosis and I actually
was at another institute beforecoming to AHN and I loved
working there.
(28:34):
I mean both great places.
But what really hit home waswhen I heard about this
opportunity to come here andwork with AHN cancer patients.
That's where my grandfather wastreated all those years ago.
So each time I walk intoAllegheny General or West Penn
where he had his treatment, I'mconsistently humbled.
I feel like a preteen, like a10 or 12 year old walking
(28:54):
through there again and gettingthat chance to see him and make
an impact, and I think I just Iwant to make my family proud and
pay it forward.
Even if someone doesn't havethe best diagnosis, there's so
much you can do for your qualityof life and there's so much you
could do just to push throughthat.
We want to make sure thatpeople are getting a full range
(29:17):
of support.
So I think just meeting people,hearing the experience,
attending some of the classesthat co-host it, just fuels my
fire, and it's all thanks to ourdonors, our volunteers and
people like you that give us aplatform to share what we're
doing.
We're only as good as ourattendants, so if anybody wants
to sign up again, that number is412-330-4045.
(29:40):
We just want to help you.
Sherry Ehrin (29:43):
Thank you so much.
Thank you for giving us theinsight and the direction.
I'm really glad we had thechance to do this today.
Laurin Scanlon (29:51):
Thank you Thanks again.
Sherry Ehrin (29:52):
To our listeners who may be in the middle of
cancer treatment or lovingsomeone who is.
We hope today's episodeconnects you with tools,
services and people who areready to help you carry the load
.
If you'd like more informationabout these services or you'd
like to support the program withyour donations or volunteer
services, you can find out moreinformation by checking our show
(30:15):
notes for resources from AHN'sIntegrative Oncology Division or
find out more information atTYPGHPOD on Instagram or on our
Facebook page at This Is it thePodcast by Thriving Yinzers.
This podcast is forinformational and entertainment
purposes only.
Nothing shared on this podcastshould be considered
(30:37):
professional advice.
Thriving Yinzers LLC, its hostsor any associated parties are
not liable for any actions takenor consequences arising from
the information provided.
The views expressed by thehosts and guests are their own
and do not necessarily reflectthose of any organizations or
affiliations.
If you or someone you know isin crisis, please reach out to a
trusted professional or crisishotline in your area.
Help is available 24-7nationwide at the
(30:58):
988-SUICIDE-IN-CRISIS lifelineDial 988 to connect with the
trained crisis counselor forfree and confidential support.
If you are local to thePittsburgh area, resolve Crisis
Services offer 24-7 crisisintervention and stabilization
services to all Allegheny Countyresidents.
You can reach them by calling1-888-796-8226.
(31:22):
If you are struggling withmental health, addiction, grief
or any other serious personalchallenges, we encourage you to
seek support from a qualifiedprofessional.
Welcome back to the place where we're getting
through the hard stuff byconnecting you with the people,
the tools, the services and theinspiration to keep you going.
But when life throws yousomething as heavy and
life-changing as a cancerdiagnosis, it can be so hard to
find your way through.
So, right from the start, todaywe want you to know that this
(00:20):
episode is about real support,including mostly free and lesser
known and newer resources thatare designed to care for the
whole person, not just theillness, as well as their
caretakers, family and friends.
So, whether you're walkingthrough treatment yourself or
standing beside someone who is,this conversation is for you.
(00:41):
On this episode, we're talkingabout the kind of care that
tends to your whole self mind,body and spirit and helps you
take meaningful steps towardhealing and hope.
Our guest today is LaurenScanlon, program Manager at AHN
Cancer Institute IntegrativeOncology Division.
Lauren's work brings healingsupport to patients, caregivers
(01:03):
and volunteers through calmingspaces, therapy services and
meaningful connections.
She's here to share what'savailable, what's possible and
how to access resources that youmight not even know exist.
You don't have to face thisalone, so let's get into it.
Welcome, Lauren.
Thanks for joining us today.
I was hoping that you couldstart by helping our listeners
understand what integrativeoncology really means and how
(01:27):
it's different from andcomplements, traditional cancer
treatment.
Laurin Scanlon (01:31):
Yeah, thank you so much for having me so excited
to share our resources.
Our program is relatively new,although we've been building
bits and pieces here atAllegheny Health Network since
2019.
Our integrative oncologyprogram really got its legs
under it to stand up in 2023when we opened up our
integrative oncology clinic withDr Sarah Miller and our
(01:52):
patients that have cancer gothrough so many different
doctors, so many differentsuggestions and ultimately they
come up with a plan of care.
Our goal in integrative is tohelp support that plan of care
plan of care.
So what we do is we really tryto focus on treating the whole
person and not just theirdisease.
As an integrative oncologypatient, we give our folks the
(02:14):
opportunity to build a team ofexperts to enhance their
well-being.
The practice of integratedmedicine itself caring for your
health at all levels mental,physical, social and spiritual
has been around for a littlewhile.
But what we try to do is to goa step further, complementing
conventional cancer care.
We try to provide additionalsupport that bolsters the
(02:37):
standards of treatment that isprescribed, without alternating
the medical or the radiationoncologist's main plan of care.
Whenever we meet with ourpatients.
We discuss disease andtreatment-related side effects
and then explore different waysthat our therapies or programs
can help support that.
Our main goal is we try tocombat side effects without the
(03:00):
use of medication.
Our treatment focuses on fourmain pillars health and fitness,
diet and nutrition, image andappearance, and mind and body.
So throughout those fourdifferent pillars we really try
to enhance the quality of lifeof our patients, no matter what
part of their journey they're in, whether they're just starting
(03:22):
and overwhelmed they've beenthrough a cycle or two of
treatment or they're coming outof surgery and combating what's
next, or if they're starting thenew, you know unknown into
survivorship.
There's a lot of questions andchallenges patients have and our
goal is to try to just enhancethat experience through
(03:42):
knowledge, experience usingpeople locally in our community
and I think that's what I'm veryproud of with our program is
that we have a lot of wonderfullocal, community-based resources
throughout Western Pennsylvania.
With our partnership we makeall of our programs accessible
to patients, no matter wherethey're at, and we've taken a
(04:03):
lot of our programs and put themon Zoom platforms so when
you're not feeling good afteryou've had treatment or surgery,
you don't necessarily need tocome in to get all this great
information.
You could do it from thecomfort of your home, while
you're eating dinner in yourpajama pants.
Sherry Ehrin (04:20):
You don't know what you're going to face or
feel like when you wake up thatday, and sometimes you know that
would result in someonecanceling an appointment or just
maybe not even scheduling onein the first place.
So that's one good thing Accessremotely.
Laurin Scanlon (04:35):
Yeah, and we find a lot of our patients also
commonly have a feeling ofisolation.
So really kind of breaking thatbarrier, overcoming that hurdle
of, you know, not feeling goodand missing out on a great thing
.
We try to put patients togetherin our programs that are all
going through a similar thing ormaybe just went through it to
kind of help.
And with that we've actuallyfound groups of patients that
(04:58):
kind of stick together and theysay, oh, now that we've done
this together, it was like alittle bonding experience.
Did you do this other programyet or are you going to that one
?
And we find that these groupsof folks just kind of stick
together and do like a littlebit of everything on our menu of
services, which is really nice.
We find that more so with ourcooking classes.
That was something that we justlaunched.
(05:19):
Last year we did a pilot andagain, you know, my family was
affected by cancer and it's notjust the patient that's affected
, it's the whole team, it's thecaregiver, it's the friend, it's
the coworker, the neighbor, thekids, even grandkids.
So what we've tried to do iscreate experiences not just for
patients, not just theircaregivers, but their entire
(05:43):
family and their entire supportsystem.
Sherry Ehrin (05:45):
I'm so glad that you mentioned that, because
often it's overlooked at howmuch the caretaker and you know
the loved ones are affected, soit's so important to have
something like that yeah.
Laurin Scanlon (05:58):
And I can do a little review of our programs
too, some of the services weoffer that we're really well
known for number one, our wigsalon, and if you can see, I'm
sitting in one right now.
We recently won an award lastyear for the category of equity
with Highmark.
We took our wig program andexpanded it so we're not just
(06:18):
Caucasian female wigs, we'reinclusive of all genders, all
races, all hair types.
So important, it's wonderful.
And we have seven wig locationsthroughout Western Pennsylvania
and we have an additionaleighth one that is virtual.
So, again, the comfort of yourhome.
We're able to do fittings.
We've been doing fittingsvirtually actually since 2021,
(06:39):
very successfully.
And for those folks that can'tcome in to try it on, we
actually mail the wig theychoose to their home and it's no
fee to them.
We also give them additionalsupplies to help care for the
wig, tips on how to clean andmaintain it for longevity and
other things to wear whenthey're not wearing your wig.
So it's really a whole packagewhen you come to us and it's
(07:01):
free to anybody with cancer, notjust AHN patients, not just
Highmark Insured patients.
We're here to care for ourcommunity.
Sherry Ehrin (07:09):
Oh, so good.
How does somebody get connectedto a service like that?
Laurin Scanlon (07:13):
Yeah, so we make it really simple, we
streamlined it.
So, like I said, the WIG is oneof many programs.
We have one phone number youcall and we just kind of offer
these things and say, whenyou're ready, let's get you
signed up.
You know, if you're ready today, we'll sign you up today.
If you're ready, you know,after your first cycle of chemo,
we'll wait and get that done.
Or if you have a pendingsurgery coming up, we can wait
(07:34):
till after that.
But the main number is 412330-4045.
You don't need a referral.
You don't need any of that.
If you're a non-AHN patient,the only thing we ask for is a
letter from your doctor orsomeone on your care team that
says you do have a cancerdiagnosis, your name and date of
(07:55):
birth, just so we know thatit's you.
But we help so many people.
Especially when we were comingout of the pandemic and
launching these virtual programsin 2021 and so forth, we
actually helped several folksout of the state.
We've shipped wigs and cosmetickits and skincare kits as far
across the country as LosAngeles and Washington State.
Sherry Ehrin (08:16):
That's incredible.
How is this funded?
Laurin Scanlon (08:19):
So we are very lucky to have some wonderful
donors and anytime we hear a newdonor and get to share about
our program, we're only as goodas our donations Right.
So anybody that wants to make adonation can go to ahn.
org there's a section fordonations and they can type in
integrative oncology or theycould just call our main number
again and we can route them withmore detailed directions.
(08:44):
But we're very lucky to workwith just some local folks that
are really passionate.
Maybe they've been through it,maybe they know somebody, and
that's how we get connected.
There's a couple of localorganizations too we partner
with.
We invite them to come on siteto things like our cooking
classes, like once or twice ayear, just to get that boots on
the ground feel.
It's great when our donors wantto donate philanthropically,
but whenever we have largeorganizations that want to
(09:06):
donate, we try to give them aslice of that experience to see
how their impact financially isreally helping people.
And I can honestly say witheach interaction we have, people
move to tears because ourpatients are so grateful, our
community members are so and itallows us to pursue additional
programs, to grow the program.
Sherry Ehrin (09:25):
Yeah, I'm feeling that, as you're talking to me,
yeah, it's, yeah, that's awesome, and I'm thinking of the
listeners and just when you lovesomebody that receives a cancer
diagnosis and you know it's, wedo all the things that we try
and it's showing up in differentways and this is a great way to
(09:50):
show up for a loved one withcancer, just by connecting them
with that phone number andletting them take it from there
even so, cause I never, I'venever heard of this until I met
you at the luncheon.
So I'm happy to be able to getit out to more people, because
it is an incredible organization.
Laurin Scanlon (10:10):
So thank you.
And what we find unique, too,about our situation is, again,
we're not like giving medicinenecessarily.
We're giving like tips andtricks.
Whenever we do, like our careand cosmetics or our caring for
your skin and nails what you'relike tutorial classes, tips and
best practices.
Sometimes we'll have people sayhey, can my daughter sit in on
(10:32):
the class, or my granddaughter,or can my mom sit in with me,
and you know we put them off tothe side so she can still listen
and learn.
Or whenever we do in personversion of those classes, the
patient most likely alwaysbrings a support person and it's
so fun just to see that dynamicof the kit that we're giving
them of safe, healthy,paraben-free, cruelty-free,
(10:53):
vegan-friendly, hypoallergenicproducts.
Yeah, everybody kind of forgetswhy they're there.
They're focused on the makeup,they're focused on the skincare,
they're focused on the skincarecream.
It's a bonding experiencethat's unique and sometimes in
our classes, like the makeup one, for example, we have different
shades in all the bags andthey're put together by our
licensed cosmetologist whovolunteered to do the program
(11:16):
and host it, and sometimes yousee women swapping color
palettes oh, you're more of apeach, I'm more of a pink, let's
switch.
So I think that's really nice,and then it brings a positive
distraction, much like our otherprograms and even our
volunteers.
When you see a volunteer in ared jacket at a cancer center,
they're asking you about yourday, they're filling you in on
(11:38):
what's new with them.
We even have four-legged pettherapy volunteer dogs.
I'm sitting at Forbes today andactually yesterday we had a
patient who was celebrating abirthday, and we don't typically
have a dog on Wednesday.
They're on vacation.
Right now.
We have some folks that go awayfor the summer, so we called in
another team on a day thatwasn't necessarily their day.
(11:59):
They brought in a balloon forthe gentleman and celebrated his
birthday, and it made hisjourney.
He's ringing the bell laterthis week.
It made his journey a littlebit easier.
It gave him a story to talkabout.
Everybody around him was realexcited and it made our staff
stay too.
I mean, it's just wonderfulthings that we can do human to
(12:20):
human.
Obviously, I'm not a nurse, I'mnot clinical, but if I can roll
up my sleeves and help the nextperson, that's what I want to
do in life.
Sherry Ehrin (12:27):
Yeah, it's so important, yeah, awesome.
And you're bringing us rightinto talking about the
volunteers, because you alsomanage the volunteer program
connected to integrativeoncology.
Can you share some ways thatvolunteers can make a difference
?
You already have, but what elseis available if somebody would
(12:48):
like to get involved withsupporting integrative oncology
program that you have?
Laurin Scanlon (12:53):
Yeah, that would be great.
So we love having volunteers.
We typically look for peoplethat we can keep on board
long-term.
What's unique aboutvolunteering at a cancer center
versus like a larger hospital oran outpatient facility really
is you kind of go along thejourney with our patients.
So we want to make sure anybodycan bring in.
You know, I will say, most ofour folks that volunteer have
(13:14):
somehow been touched or affectedby someone in their life, if
not themselves being a cancersurvivor.
So it's a lot of meaningfulthings.
I'm here because my family hadcancer and being able to pay it
forward is the greatest rewardthat I could ask for.
So whenever we meet withpotential volunteer candidates,
we want to make sure thatthey're emotionally ready to
take that journey.
(13:34):
And I think what surprises alot of our folks is you really
get close to the patients.
You're volunteering close tohome because we have many cancer
centers, and you kind of ridethat journey along with the
patient.
You know when they have gooddays you have a good day, when
they have a not so good day andmaybe don't get great news.
You feel that in your heart.
(13:55):
But it's just this unique bondthat we have when our volunteers
are scheduled it's typicallyonce a week for about a four.
They, when our volunteers arescheduled it's typically once a
week for about a four.
They come in and they're kindof put in a position.
So things that they can do area wayfinder, meaning that that's
a role where they help patientsfind their way.
They greet them at the frontdoor, they stay there,
especially in Pittsburgh snowyweather, when it's snowing
(14:18):
outside or someone's leaning offa car, or this summer it rains
a lot, so we keep them companyand then we help them get to
where they're going.
The other one is a patientrounder.
So these are the folks actuallyrounding in the medical
oncology infusion centers.
They're providing comfort,support, a listening ear, a
pillow, snacks, coffee tea, thatkind of stuff.
(14:39):
Pillow snacks, coffee tea, thatkind of stuff.
Next, we have pet therapyvolunteers, so it's hard not to
spot them.
We do have a lot of questionsabout can I bring my dog to work
or can I bring my dog to thecancer center?
We need to make sure they arecertified as a pet therapy dog
and the person is certified tohandle them.
One of the programs I startedhere is actually a scholarship
(15:03):
fund.
So if anyone's listening andthey're an AHN or Highmark
employee that has a dog theythink could qualify for pet
therapy, reach out to me, callthat me number, the 412-330-4045
.
We actually help our staff gettheir dog certified, and
themselves as well if they'reinterested.
But we don't do cats, so justdogs.
(15:26):
No chickens, no cows, no pigs,no horses, just dogs at our site
.
Have you had that as a question?
We have, yes, we have, and somepeople have some really
talented pets that are not dogsthat they would like to bring in
.
But it makes us smile.
I'm sure it would make ourpatients smile too.
But unfortunately, being in ahospital, there are a lot of
policies and regulations that wehave to make sure we're
(15:48):
bringing in certain types ofanimals that are called by Sure.
Yeah, I've heard a lot ofinteresting stories over the
years.
Right, some other volunteerprograms that we have music
therapy.
We have art therapy therapy,which is a smaller program we're
looking to expand.
We have volunteers that do wigfittings in the space behind me.
(16:10):
Uh, that is a hot volunteerrole, though everybody wants it
and right now we're full , butit's wonderful to have and I
think the more people we can fitwith wigs benefiting from this
podcast, the more we can expandour team.
Yeah, absolutely, we do havelicensed cosmetologists and
estheticians that volunteer andthen, believe it or not, there
(16:31):
are a lot of volunteers thathelp us that don't even come on
site.
There are sewers, knitters,crocheters.
They make things like dignitygowns, which is a smock top with
Velcro.
You have to have a certainsewing machine to do that, but
they do those for our radiationoncology patients, specifically
breast cancer patients.
So when a woman goes to receivetreatment, she doesn't have to
(16:54):
go in bare chested for thetreatment.
Our techs help un-Velcro acertain section to remain
dignity for the other side ofher body.
That's not getting radiation.
Yes, so we have things likethat.
I'm sitting in a room right now,like I said, the wig salon
where we have our sewingvolunteers.
Judy and her group of sewersshe calls the knitwits are
(17:15):
sewing turbans and bucket hats.
So again, not just stuff forladies but for guys too.
We also were very fortunate inour wig salon program to have
donations of baseball hats fromthe Pittsburgh Pirates.
We received recognition duringthe Roberto Clemente Day of
Service last year.
So we have a mix of pirate hats.
(17:35):
We have another hat partnerthat donated just non-branded
baseball hats to us in solidcolors.
So we really try to fiteverybody in what they need and
what they're going through.
But our volunteers make so muchof the programs possible.
The last couple of years ourvolunteers we get about a
hundred or so a year in theCancer Institute and they've
(17:56):
donated a little over 7,000hours of service year after year
.
So whenever we talk about ourprograms there's such high
quality volunteers behind itthat make it all possible.
Sherry Ehrin (18:07):
Yeah, it sounds that way and it takes all of it
to make it happen.
Yeah, yeah, yeah Is thereanything else that we need to
know about the volunteerservices that you mentioned,
because I like how you make iteasy that everything's under the
one number, yeah, so forvolunteers.
Laurin Scanlon (18:23):
You can actually go online to ahn.
org, type in the word volunteerand you'll see our application
page.
If you think you can commit tovolunteering like that we do ask
for, like the once a week fourhour shift, more so for the
cancer center because you'rescheduled on a day and a slot,
if you will.
Sherry Ehrin (18:44):
And someone's counting on you to be there.
Laurin Scanlon (18:45):
Yeah, yeah, you know, you're allowed to have a
sick day, you can go on vacation.
We want you to enjoy life, butwhen our patients don't see it
too much, they get concerned,they get worried.
You're very much kind of in itwith them, yeah you're part of
it.
Through their journey.
But if you're looking forsomething different that doesn't
have such a strict timecommitment, our hospitals are a
(19:07):
great alternative.
So just go to ahnorg If you'reinterested in the cancer center,
select cancer center oroutpatient facility.
It'll get routed to me.
If you're interested in ahospital role, maybe that's not
so time crunch lenient that'ssomething you can consider too.
The cancer centers are alsoonly open Monday through Friday
during normal business hours, sosometimes we have great
(19:28):
applicants but they're onlyavailable after a workday or on
a weekend.
So hospitals would scoop you up, yeah, so feel free to just
keep us all in mind at AHN andapply and and we'll try to find
a place that fits your needs,Okay that's awesome, yeah.
Sherry Ehrin (19:45):
What about tips for patients and caregivers
while they're not participatingin a program?
What are a few small butimpactful things that patients
and caregivers could do tosupport their emotional wellness
during treatment?
Laurin Scanlon (20:00):
And physical too .
Yeah, I think the first thingto know is you're not alone.
I think cancer even though alot of people may have it or
have a diagnosis that you knowoversee every journey is
different and I think justidentifying the importance of
caregiver burnout is huge.
If you're wearing many hats, ifyou're working as a caregiver,
if you're a parent as acaregiver, if you're caring for
(20:23):
somebody else in addition tosomebody that has a cancer
diagnosis or that's sick, tryand I know it's easier said than
done try to take time foryourself.
Try to do something that fillsyour cup and just talking with
some people.
You know some people,especially in the summertime,
like to garden.
I know for me gardening is huge.
Gardening brings in that senseof just connection with nature
(20:48):
and right now actually, we'reworking with Phipps Conservatory
to get people more in tune withnature for caregivers and
patients.
So you might see some coolstuff coming up down the road
with that, with our program.
But I think anytime you canjust hit a pause on life and
everything you're juggling andfocus on you as a caregiver.
That's what you need.
As far as patients go, cancercan feel very isolating and
(21:12):
everyone's journey is different.
But you're not alone and thereare people that their journey
may be a little different thanyours, but you have supporters.
Cancer can take a lot of thingsfrom you and I think, when
you're ready, having resourceslike ours as simple as learning
how to draw on an eyebrow for awoman that lost her, having
(21:35):
eyebrow thinning or putting on awig if you have an event coming
up or you're going out withyour girlfriends, or even with
our men, we think, oh, women,they're so much more visual.
We can see when a woman doesn'thave hair, when she doesn't
have her eyebrows, if she looksmore drawn and pale than usual,
if there's a spot or a scar onher.
We see that based on oursociety today.
(21:57):
But I think, too, I want toreach out to the men.
You're not alone.
It's not all about the women,it's about everybody.
We're trying to support men.
We're actually having an eventthis year.
It's our first event.
It's a men with cancer,wellness fair and barbecue.
So I know we're going to sharemore information.
Sherry has those details, butif we get a good enough turnout
(22:20):
this year, we hope to make itannual.
We feel like barbecue is agreat way to bring men in.
We're doing healthy spins oneverything so you don't have to
worry about eating things thataren't so good for you.
It's like an extension of ourcooking class that we do, that
we're hosting this event, butit's all focused on those little
things that maybe you're afraidto ask or you don't want to ask
or you're shy to ask, to justhelp break down barriers that
society has put on us for whatwe need to know to live a
(22:43):
healthy life and to manage allof our side effects.
So don't be afraid to reach outfor resources.
We have a slew of programs.
So we talked about the wig, wetalked about the makeup, we
talked about the skin and nails.
We touched a little bit on ourcooking classes.
The cooking classes are forpatients, caregivers.
Caregiver can be your neighbor,your friend, your coworker and
(23:05):
then your entire immediatefamily kids, grandkids.
We actually just piloted abreakout table called the kids
table where we have a licensedchild psychologist sit up and
that's her specialty is workingwith kids.
We made it fun.
So it's not scary, it's notseparating or isolating the kid.
(23:27):
We have a fun little waterthemed tablecloth their kid's
table.
We also have a duck that has achemotherapy port and an IV line
and she can use that with herbackground to help educate and
destigmatize what it looks likeif someone has something like
that.
And then we actually give awaylittle ducklings at the table
(23:47):
for the kids to take home.
So they don't have all theports and you know contraptions
on, like the ducks that we havefor our show and tell portion of
that, but it's just to makekids not so worried, not so
concerned.
Our little ducks sometimes havebandanas on their heads, so if
they're seeing a loved one orcaregiver going through that
it's trying to normalize thoseexperiences.
(24:09):
So it's great for everybody.
We do appetizers, a main course, entree, a side dish and
dessert.
If you're sick and don't feellike eating it, you don't have
to.
You're not cooking, yourcaregiver's not cooking, you're
all just coming getting food.
We have raffles.
Enjoying time together, enjoyingtime sitting across the table
(24:30):
from people that are goingthrough something very similar.
We've seen a lot of caregiverto caregiver bonding over that,
which is unique.
Normally we see patient topatient, but this is caregiver
to caregiver, kids playing withother kids that are going
through the same thing and thento go boxes for everybody.
But we kind of sneak in theresources in there too.
We have a lineup of localpeople that do things based on
(24:52):
where our classes for cookie toeducate are taking place,
keeping community in thecommunity.
In addition to that, we have aprogram called Reflections so
you're going to call our mainnumber for all these things.
But Reflections is a way tolook at yourself and focus on
you, and this is specificallyfor cancer patients.
We give vouchers for servicessuch as massage, reiki,
(25:14):
acupuncture, depending on whereyou're located.
We do manicures, pedicures inthe greater Pittsburgh region,
we have facial services up inErie and in the South Hills we
have a Himalayan salt cape wepartner with and if you've never
gone, let me tell you that isan experience I've never.
If you struggle with relaxing,if you've never gone, let me
tell you that is an experienceI've never.
If you struggle with relaxing,whether you have cancer or not,
(25:35):
you need to go.
Our program is specifically forcancer patients and active
treatment, but we're greatresources for people that don't
qualify and you just want tofind out a safe place to go and,
again, supporting localbusinesses, connecting patients
with their community members andtaking care of one another.
But our last program I'll talkabout is called Movement and
Breathing.
(25:56):
We didn't want to use the wordyoga because that can scare
people.
Yoga is a lot of big moves, butour Movement and Breathing
focuses on energy balance withinyour body, your spirit, and
it's for patients and caregivers.
So with this we talk aboutdifferent ways to relax, to
create a positive sense ofwell-being.
We talk a little bit aboutmindfulness, breath work, gentle
(26:18):
yoga.
We do chair yoga for peoplethat don't want to get on the
mat and we do a little bit ofReiki as well.
So it's a great way to dabblein that, if you've never tried,
you can go to multiple ones ofthose, you don't just have to go
to one.
And then, aside from the freeclasses, we do have an
integrative oncology clinic withDr Sarah Miller.
It's a one-on-one appointmentthat you can really use to spend
(26:40):
with a licensed, certifiedintegrative oncologist and find
out what are some tips or toolsor suggestions to create that
quality of life and reduce mysymptoms that I want to get
under management a little bitbetter, yeah.
Sherry Ehrin (26:54):
And that's a free resource, too?
Laurin Scanlon (26:56):
So the clinic we do have to bill through
insurance.
If you're already seeing us,it's the same cost as a medical
oncology visit.
If you're not currently seeingAHN, it is billed as like a new
referral.
But we've made sure that evenwhen it is being billed, we're
trying to work with everybody toget it at the lowest level we
can.
But aside from the clinic, allof our other programs are 100%
(27:19):
free.
Again, you don't have to be AHN, you don't have to have high
market insurance.
We want to care for ourcommunity and everybody else
that doesn't have theseresources, locally too, that's
so great, so great.
Sherry Ehrin (27:30):
Is there something that we should have talked
about that we missed?
Laurin Scanlon (27:33):
I think that's everything we're actually
working on building out awebsite for our program at the
ahn.
org website.
When it comes out, it will becalled Integrative Oncology and
you'll see one of thesecalendars and our lineup of
events and this is for 2025.
Sherry Ehrin (27:49):
Okay, I can link that in my show notes.
And there was a question I hadfor you.
The spirit that you have, youcan tell it comes from your own
lived experience and that you'reworking within your purpose.
And I was just wondering it issuch a heavy feeling to go
through and so what keeps youhopeful in the work that you do
(28:12):
in this program?
Laurin Scanlon (28:14):
That's great.
I really attribute a lot ofwhere I'm at today being
grateful and thankful to my momespecially.
My mom has had her medicalbattles in the past.
My grandfather was my bestfriend.
I lost him in 1999 because of acancer diagnosis and I actually
was at another institute beforecoming to AHN and I loved
working there.
(28:34):
I mean both great places.
But what really hit home waswhen I heard about this
opportunity to come here andwork with AHN cancer patients.
That's where my grandfather wastreated all those years ago.
So each time I walk intoAllegheny General or West Penn
where he had his treatment, I'mconsistently humbled.
I feel like a preteen, like a10 or 12 year old walking
(28:54):
through there again and gettingthat chance to see him and make
an impact, and I think I just Iwant to make my family proud and
pay it forward.
Even if someone doesn't havethe best diagnosis, there's so
much you can do for your qualityof life and there's so much you
could do just to push throughthat.
We want to make sure thatpeople are getting a full range
(29:17):
of support.
So I think just meeting people,hearing the experience,
attending some of the classesthat co-host it, just fuels my
fire, and it's all thanks to ourdonors, our volunteers and
people like you that give us aplatform to share what we're
doing.
We're only as good as ourattendants, so if anybody wants
to sign up again, that number is412-330-4045.
(29:40):
We just want to help you.
Sherry Ehrin (29:43):
Thank you so much.
Thank you for giving us theinsight and the direction.
I'm really glad we had thechance to do this today.
Laurin Scanlon (29:51):
Thank you Thanks again.
Sherry Ehrin (29:52):
To our listeners who may be in the middle of
cancer treatment or lovingsomeone who is.
We hope today's episodeconnects you with tools,
services and people who areready to help you carry the load
.
If you'd like more informationabout these services or you'd
like to support the program withyour donations or volunteer
services, you can find out moreinformation by checking our show
(30:15):
notes for resources from AHN'sIntegrative Oncology Division or
find out more information atTYPGHPOD on Instagram or on our
Facebook page at This Is it thePodcast by Thriving Yinzers.
This podcast is forinformational and entertainment
purposes only.
Nothing shared on this podcastshould be considered
(30:37):
professional advice.
Thriving Yinzers LLC, its hostsor any associated parties are
not liable for any actions takenor consequences arising from
the information provided.
The views expressed by thehosts and guests are their own
and do not necessarily reflectthose of any organizations or
affiliations.
If you or someone you know isin crisis, please reach out to a
trusted professional or crisishotline in your area.
Help is available 24-7nationwide at the
(30:58):
988-SUICIDE-IN-CRISIS lifelineDial 988 to connect with the
trained crisis counselor forfree and confidential support.
If you are local to thePittsburgh area, resolve Crisis
Services offer 24-7 crisisintervention and stabilization
services to all Allegheny Countyresidents.
You can reach them by calling1-888-796-8226.
(31:22):
If you are struggling withmental health, addiction, grief
or any other serious personalchallenges, we encourage you to
seek support from a qualifiedprofessional.
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