After an initial diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer Ruth Ann Grim, mother to Doug, mother-in-law to Kelly, and grandmother to Lauren and Elaina, felt lost and unsure of what the future held for her and her family. After more than two years of treatments and surgery, she began to feel it was time to give up. But that all changed when she transferred her care to Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC).
Ruth Ann Grim surrounded by her beautiful family, son Doug, daughter-in-law Kelly, and grandchildren Lauren and Elaina.
From her first moments with Bruce J. Giantonio, MD, she knew she was in the right place—his approachable style and positive attitude immediately set her at ease. “He put hope right back on my table. And even if it was hanging by its’ finger nails, I decided to go with it,” said Ruth Ann.
The Support System
Dr. Giantonio wasn’t the only doctor in her corner. Ben Boursi, MD ensured Ruth Ann that at the Abramson Cancer Center, they weren’t just about treating her disease, but all of her—a truth she felt at each appointment and treatment.
“Everyone has been positive and encouraging, from the receptionists to the chemotherapy nurses, especially nurse practitioner Suzanne McGettigan, CRNP. They have smiles on their faces and remember little details from months ago. It is comforting on down days, and helps to make good days even better,” Ruth Ann recalled.
Her biggest support system through this journey, however, has been Doug and Kelly, and all her very good friends. Doug would say, “‘You’re not quitting, I’m not going to let you.’ At Christmas two years ago, he put his arm around me and said, ‘We have 30 more Christmases together!’”
Doug also noticed how supportive the ACC is of his mother and her care decisions. “Their focus is not just on the physical aspects of cancer but also its emotional effects. This approach is built into the culture and exhibited across personnel—doctors, nurses, and support staff. I cannot overemphasize the importance of that,” says Doug.
Becoming an Advocate
With her rediscovered positive outlook and supportive family and medical team, Ruth Ann has become her own best advocate.
Ruth Ann and her medical team make it a point to discuss current and upcoming treatment options, and have a solid plan in place. Penn’s strong reputation as a leader in research allows all of our patients, including Ruth Ann, to have access to the newest and most promising therapies and clinical trials.
Dr. Giantonio recently told her there might be a therapy available this summer that shows promise for the kind of cancer she has. And after a separate discussion of clinical trials for her cancer, Dr. Borsi also shared information on all the research and clinical trials happening specifically for stage 4 colon cancer. With options comes hope, and with hope comes purpose.
Ruth Ann has channeled her gratitude in meaningful ways. She drives friends and friends of friends to Penn for a second, or even third, opinion. She knows how nerve-racking it can be to come “into the city,” and helps dismiss those fears while easing the burden for people facing cancer.
The ACC's Annual Fund
Ruth Ann and her husband, Allan, also support the ACC’s Annual Fund with unrestricted donations each year. As federal funding for new and innovative research continues to decrease, philanthropy is helping to close that gap. Unrestricted support allows us to direct those funds to the areas of greatest need and greatest promise.
“We are very aware how philanthropy makes research happen and our hope is for our contributions to allow more patients to have access to the incredible care that I have received,” Ruth Ann shared.
But for now, Ruth Ann is looking forward to celebrating 30 more years of holidays with her family, including this upcoming Mother’s Day.
To all the mothers out there — we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!