Journey from satisfied patient to steadfast supporter
Kelley Sullivan was born at Baptist Health and has had two successful surgeries there over the years. But it was her father's 14-year cancer journey and the compassionate care he received that moved Kelley from satisfied patient to steadfast supporter.
“Dad was given excellent care by the doctors, nurses and other staff members while he was treated at Baptist Health Paducah,” says Kelley, a retired educator and librarian. “The nurses who gave his weekly chemo treatments were outstanding. They were very compassionate and treated him with dignity and respect. The doctors worked hard to do everything they could for him while he was in and out of the hospital and during his treatments.”
In 2000, Kelley’s father, Don S. Sullivan, was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on his nose. The cancer was removed but returned in 2008, and Don underwent radiation treatment. In 2012, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on his ear and received radiation treatment but the next year, the cancer spread to his jawline. Despite the doctors' and nurses' best efforts, Don passed away in January of 2014 at the age of 82.
The genuine care and quality treatment he received inspired Kelley to donate to Baptist Health Foundation Paducah. Having oncologists and treatment centers close to home made the ordeal less stressful and more comfortable for Kelley and her father, and she hopes her support does the same for others. In 2017, support from donors like Kelley allowed Baptist Health to build the Ray & Kay Eckstein Regional Cancer Center, the only accredited cancer program in the region. Thanks to their support the number of patients seen daily has increased from 80–90 to more than 150 per day.
“Not having to go hundreds of miles away for treatment takes an enormous burden off of the patients and their families during times of great worry and stress,” Kelley says. “Keeping treatments close to home is what this area needs. Too many people need treatment, and many don't have the means to travel to get it. I hope that my donations alleviate some of the worries that the patients have, and that they can take their treatments knowing someone is there who cares about them.”
The Dawn of a Healthier Tomorrow
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