Isabella Holland, Genetic Counselor
John Stoddard Cancer Center
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I grew up in Davenport, Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa with my BS in Biology and a Spanish minor in 2022. While there, I developed a passion for science communication and outreach that drove me to pursue my Masters in Genetic Counselor Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Because of my interest in improving public access to science information, I’ve been involved in a variety of volunteer activities and independent projects to promote genetics education within my wider communities. During grad school, I also worked part time as a teaching assistant for an introductory biology course and as a genetic counseling assistant for a major genetic testing laboratory.
I started my first full-time genetic counseling position here at UnityPoint after completing my graduate training in May 2024. Genetic counselors are involved in assessing and educating patients about their risk of inherited conditions and the role of genetic testing in medical decision making. My day to day is a good balance of meeting with patients, administrative time for documentation and prepping for cases, and meetings and continuing education activities. I primarily see patients who have a personal or family history of cancer, and I appreciate being able to help them understand how this history might impact them and their families’ screening and management practices. My work as a genetic counselor allows me to learn from so many patients’ unique narratives and experiences, and I’m very grateful to play even a small part in their journeys.
Since moving to Des Moines this summer, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring everything the city has to offer! I enjoy going to coffee shops, the farmers market, and listening to live music. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, yoga, and spending time with my friends and family. I also love a good podcast and am always looking for new recommendations.
Welcome, Isabella!
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Rachael Johnson Elected to Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Board of Directors
We are thrilled to recognize Rachael Johnson, nurse manager, Powell 3 Oncology, who has been elected to the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) Board of Directors. Rachael joined the board at the Oncology Nursing Society’s Annual Congress in Washington, D.C. this past April, where she was introduced as the newest board member. Her three-year term will involve both virtual and onsite meetings at the national office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“There are no words to describe what it’s like to sit in the board room at our national office in Pittsburgh making decisions as a team from across the nation that will impact oncology patients,” said Rachael.
Rachael's lifelong dedication to oncology nursing and her passion for working with oncology patients have driven her to inspire and challenge individuals and teams to achieve certification, validating their competence and professionalism. As a board member, Rachael is committed to furthering the mission of ONCC, promoting excellence in oncology care and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inspiration across the oncology community. Rachael’s leadership and energy are sure to create ripples of positive impact throughout the health care systems and communities she serves.
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Podcast
Dish with Nish Podcast is a series exploring topics of interest in cancer prevention, the human spirit and how new ideas are changing cancer care. Dr. Andrew Nish, Medical Director at the Stoddard Cancer Center, hosts insightful conversations with doctors, health care workers and patients discussing various aspects of health and cancer care. To listen to his latest episodes, including the topics of immunotherapy; and the healthcare industry and governmental policies click here. Scroll to 'Dish with Nish Podcast'.
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Upcoming Classes, Programs & Events | |
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Hybrid Support Groups
Stoddard Cancer Center has transitioned most support groups to hybrid meetings, so participants have the option of attending in-person or virtually. For information on when groups meet and how to join, click here and contact the phone number listed for the group you are interested in attending.
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Writing Through Cancer | Select Mondays through December
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Virtual
Participants create a safe space, then write together for timed intervals to writing prompts. The writing circles are led by Founder and Executive Director of the Ames Writers Collective, Ana McCracken. Cancer patients and survivors are welcome to sign up. For more information click here.
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Titan Ride to a Cure Car Show, Garden Tractor Pull & Hayrack Rides - October 19, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fundraiser with 100% of proceeds benefitting Stoddard Cancer Center, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. In addition there will be music, face painting, bouncy houses, silent auction, food and drinks and t-shirts/sweatshirts for purchase. To make an online donation, visit https://bit.ly/titan-tire-24
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Can Do Cancer Trivia Night – October 19
Stoddard Cancer Center is proud to sponsor this annual event raising funds to benefit cancer patients and their families. To learn more to register, click here.
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Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction |Tuesday, December 3
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Virtual
Stoddard Cancer Center and UnityPoint Health Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services – Penn Avenue are pleased to offer "Cancer Related Cognitive Dysfunction." This class is offered free of charge to cancer survivors affected by cognitive changes caused by a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Participants in the class will:
• Be educated on what CRCD is
• Learn to identify and recognize one’s own symptoms of CRCD
• Practice strategies to improve memory
• Learn exercises to train the brain
• Learn how to get more help if needed
A link will be sent to registrants prior to the class.
For more information or to register click here or call (515) 241-8505.
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On the Horizon of Oncology Care Conference
November 7 and 8 | IMMC Kelley Conference Center
Stoddard Cancer Center's oncology fall conference “On the Horizon of Oncology Care: Updates and Current Treatment in 2024,” will be held November 7 and 8, at the Kelley Conference Center on the Iowa Methodist Medical Center campus. Topics covered include speech therapy in head and neck cancer, cervical cancer prevention, Enhertu, integrative oncology, surgical management of primary and secondary liver tumors, multiple myeloma, sexual health and cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma cancer care, radiopharmaceuticals and fertility and cancer. To register click here.
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Black Women 4 Healthy Living
Black Women 4 Healthy Living (BW4HL) hosts the Black Women’s Health Coalition at Corinthian Baptist Church on the third Saturday of each month in 2024. The focus is on Black women and their health and wellness. Health Assessments are given monthly to measure progress. The group engages in some low-impact physical activity and discusses a health-related topic unique to Black women. These events are completely free, and ALL Black women are welcome to join. For more information or to register, visit www.bw4hl.org.They also host a breast cancer support group for black women.
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Rooted in Nature
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines partners with Polk County Conservation to create health and wellness programs that are focused on improving health with a connection to nature. For a list of classes, click here.
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Intertwined
Forest bathing (also called forest therapy) is a wellness practice rooted in scientific research that helps individuals engage with the natural world using all the senses in order to reap positive physiological and psychological benefits. It’s more than a walk in the woods; it’s an immersion into the full experience of the forest and nature. For upcoming opportunities, click here.
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Cancer Support Community
Offers online support groups for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. Click here for more information.
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Men’s Health Month: Dr. Rock Speaks on Male Screening Recommendations
Dr. Crosby Rock, radiation oncologist at Stoddard Cancer Center, joined Hello Iowa to share male cancer screening recommendations. Check out Dr. Rock’s interview here.
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Stoddard Cancer Center Exceeds $6 Million Comprehensive Campaign Fundraising Goal
Thanks to your support, we are pleased to announce the It Takes You comprehensive campaign has exceeded its $6 million fundraising goal, contributing to an overall $18 million investment in enhancing oncology services.
The campaign was launched in 2021 and supported cutting-edge technology and compassionate care initiatives positioning the Stoddard Cancer Center at the forefront of cancer treatment and patient care in Central Iowa.
Donor support played a huge role in a variety of different investments throughout our Cancer Center. These included the purchasing of the new Halcyon True Beam Linear Accelerator, a High Dose Radiation machine, expanding the Charlie Cutler Healing & Wellness program to offer more services and establishing a new financial navigator position. Additionally, a second social worker has been added to the Navigator team, ensuring comprehensive mental health support for patients and their families at no charge.
To learn more about the It Takes You comprehensive campaign and the impact that philanthropy has at Stoddard Cancer Center, read our latest article.
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We are thrilled to share Al Roker as the speaker for 2025 Rally Against Cancer, presented by GreenState Credit Union! Roker captivates more than 30 million viewers every weekday morning as the host and weatherman of NBC’s Today Show. He was won 14 Emmy awards, written 13 New York Times best-selling books and a prostate cancer survivor.
Join us on January 25 for an exciting evening! Learn more about Rally Against Cancer and get your tickets today: www.stoddardrac.org
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Thank you to Bras for the Cause for their $7,500 gift to the Pink Days Program at Stoddard Cancer Center. This program provides free mammogram screenings to uninsured and underinsured women in Iowa. We are so grateful for their continued generosity and supporting our patients. | |
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Prairie Meadows Donation
We are grateful for Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel's recent $12,500 gift to the Meals That Matter and Meals That Matter at Home program. Their donation to Stoddard Cancer Center will provide approximately 1,000 nutritionally dense and ready-made meals to cancer patients and their caregivers. Thanks to generous supporters like Prairie Meadows, this program is free of charge so patients can simply focus on healing.
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Our EMPOWER Boutique is offering new items! Stop by the Radiation Oncology department and check out the items below:
- Cooling therapy gloves and slippers used for patients experiencing neuropathy (numbness) because of treatment.
- Port shirts available in pink, black and grey in S,M, L, XL, 2XL for use during chemo treatments.
- Hats from our new vendor. This is bamboo fabric which is very soft and has a great feel for our cancer patients.
- Wig stands for FREE!
Plus so much more!
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On Sunday June 9, over 550 cancer survivors and guests joined us for a ballgame at Principal Park to celebrate Cancer Survivors Day. | |
Stoddard Cancer Center hosted the UnityPoint Health tent at the Downtown Farmers' Market on June 15. | |
Stoddard Cancer Center had info and activities in the health tent in Farm Bureau Park at the Iowa State Fair on August 17. With the help of a dermatology nurse practitioner they provided 30 free skin cancer screenings. | |
Our friends at Ramsey Subaru and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society partnered to provide blankets and care kits to patients at Stoddard Cancer Center. | |
On September 22, Stoddard Cancer Center, in partnership with Intertwined, Spirit Art Move and Polk County Conservation, hosted an incredible Cancer Patient and Survivor Self-Care Retreat at Jester Park. The day focused on healing, connection and restoration. | |
Thoughts From an Oncology Social Worker | |
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Deanna Rudolph, Oncology Social Worker at Stoddard Cancer Center shares an article she wrote entitled:
Strength, Dragons, and Rainbows
Have you ever told yourself or thought to yourself, “I can’t do that!”?
Forgive my vulnerability and the heart-felt emotions to come, but, in all honesty, I feel afraid to do things all the time. I think many of us do, but somehow, we still find ways to conquer our fears and slay our dragons. That’s exactly how I feel when I’m about to meet a new patient for the first time. “Will they think I am smart?” or “Will I know what to say or do?” And then, when I’m face-to-face with the opportunity to meet them, my intuition and training jumps into action. I don’t even think about the self-doubt anymore. All that matters is what my patient has to say, and how they are feeling. It’s about creating a space of safety and giving my undivided time to be present with them.
Sometimes I wonder how fortunate I am to have gotten to this point in my life. I am so thankful to have the incredible opportunity to provide service to patients while they face the largest dragons of their lives. Our patients’ strength gives me strength. Their hope gives me hope, even when life seems impossible. Their laughter soothes my soul and brings me peace, joy, and fulfillment. The strength of a cancer patient is unmatched. So, here is a message of hope to our patients: You are enough. You can do this. You are smart enough, strong enough, brave enough, and you are not alone. You have a team of people here to walk beside you, and sometimes we are afraid too! We never want you to be alone through this journey, so please call us and let us know how we can help.
Thank you to my colleagues, and my patients past, present, and future; you all teach me and encourage me to be the best that I can be. You all mean so much. You all make a difference. You make me have hope that things will turn out right. You remind me every day that I can slay dragons, too.
As a key takeaway, I challenge each reader to do one thing every day to help you be present and remind yourself how strong you truly are. As the lovely and wise Maya Angelou said, “I have had a lot of clouds in my life, but I have had so many rainbows.” The rainbows will come at the end of the storm, and that is what reminds us of the goodness and kindness in our lives. There is still hope, even when faced with the hardest fight, the tallest dragon, or the darkest storm. Look for the rainbows and let them shine brightly.
My Best,
Deanna Rudolph, LISW
Oncology Social Worker
John Stoddard Cancer Center
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Mushroom and Kale Baked Frittata | |
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INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 shallots or a small onion, thinly sliced
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch kale, stems and greens separated, stems chopped and greens torn into bitesize pieces
8-12 eggs (depending on your skillet size, see note)
2 tablespoons half and half
2 oz goat cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
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DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 375˚. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, half and half, salt and pepper and beat until smooth. Set aside. Heat oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add shallots and kale stems and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and just starting to brown on the edges. Add sliced mushrooms and thyme, cook until mushrooms are softened, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Add greens and cook until wilted and softened, 2-3 minutes and season vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat. Pour egg mixture over the cooked vegetables, dollop with goat cheese. Place skillet in the oven and cook until eggs set, 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, cut and serve warm.
Note: 8 eggs for a 10” skillet, 10-12 for a 12” skillet
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Volunteers are needed at Stoddard Cancer Center. Volunteer opportunities include the Powell 3 Comfort Cart, Radiation Oncology Waiting Room and EMPOWER Boutique. Please contact Caroline Baker at caroline.baker@unitypoint.org or visit unitypoint.org/volunteer if interested. | | | | |
