Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Karen Grant offers hope to mesothelioma patients through podcasting.
KAREN GRANT shared her mesothelioma survival story through? a podcast - a recorded broadcast available to download onto iPods, cell phones, and MP3 players - marking the debut of this type of technology in a hospital setting. After undergoing experimental surgery directed by David Sugarbaker, MD, chief of Thoracic Surgery, and several months of chemotherapy for her bilateral mesothelioma, Grant was declared cancer-free. "Karen's story is an inspiration to all mesothelioma patients," Sugarbaker said. "She is tangible proof that it is possible to beat the odds and survive this deadly disease." That's why she initiated mesothelioma podcasts. So far, there are seven success story podcasts, and two informational seminars on the disease are underway. Grant dedicates two days every week to volunteer at BWH, meeting patients recently diagnosed with mesothelioma who come to BWH for treatment consulations, and sharing her story with them. Recently she donated an iPod to the Department of Thoracic Surgery for patients to use in the waiting room. "Helping other people is beneficial," Grant said. "I don't see this as anything but therapeutic." Podcasts are available at www.impmeso.org and www.apple.com/itunes/