WVU Cancer Institute

12/30/2025

We’re honored to share Russell’s powerful story of healing, hope, and the care he found close to home at the WVU Cancer Institute at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals.

Stories like Russell’s reflect the strength of our statewide network and the compassion, expertise, and teamwork that define WVU Cancer Institute care – delivered every day by dedicated teams who treat patients like family. 💛💙

💛💙 A Journey of Healing and Hope: Russell’s Story at the WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Hospitals 💙💛

When Russell was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2024, his world shifted overnight. After undergoing an unsuccessful surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, he returned home to West Virginia—uncertain of what would come next but grounded in his belief that he was being guided exactly where he needed to be. That place, he says, was WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals.

At the WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Memorial Hospital, Russell received 30 radiation treatments along with 17–18 laser light treatments targeted at the base of his tongue. Radiation Oncology is part of the WVU Cancer Institute, where radiation oncologists, nurses, therapists, dosimetrists, and medical physicists work together to deliver precise, safe, and effective care. Russell said he felt that level of expertise and compassion every single day.

Throughout his treatment, he never lost his optimism.

“I believe the Lord placed me at Thomas Hospitals not only to get the treatment I needed,” he shared, “but also to encourage others going through the same thing.”

He added that a positive outlook helped him stay strong.

“My cup is always half full. A positive mindset makes all the difference in healing.”

When asked how his care team supported him, Russell didn’t hesitate:

“From the get-go, they were upbeat and always smiling. My appointments were always at 7 a.m., and the staff was joyful and encouraging every single day.”

Several caregivers made a lasting impact on his journey, including Tara Hansen, MD, radiation oncologist; Jessica Fisher, APRN, CNP, nurse practitioner; Katelyn Miller, Radiation Therapist; Michelle Scites, Lead Registration Specialist; Hunter Jones, RN; and Ryan Moroose, Director of Radiation Oncology/Medical Dosimetrist. To Russell, the Thomas Hospitals team became more than healthcare providers—they became an extension of his family.

If he could share one message with anyone considering treatment at Thomas Hospitals, Russell says it’s simple:

“Don’t pass up the opportunity to come to Thomas because they are a caring group of people. They give you the utmost attention and make you feel like family. The staff always went above and beyond.”

Even though his treatment is finished, Russell still stops frequently to visit his “family” in Radiation Oncology. In July 2025, he received the news he had prayed for—his PET scan was clear, and he is cancer-free. Today, he continues to share encouragement, positivity, and gratitude with others, believing that every part of his journey had a purpose.

💙

12/24/2025

✨ Happy holidays from the WVU Cancer Institute! ✨

May this season bring you peace, joy, and moments of rest. We look forward to continuing our mission together in the new year: advancing care, supporting one another, and bringing hope to every patient we serve.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season! 💙🎄

12/14/2025

📣 Exciting news for Jackson County!

WVU Medicine Jackson General Hospital is investing $8.5 million to build a new, state-of-the-art cancer center on its Ripley campus, opening in early 2027. This project is supported by a generous $2.5 million gift from the Margaret Lynn Starcher Estate.

The new center will bring the expertise of the WVU Cancer Institute directly to the community – including advanced treatments, access to clinical trials, and seamless connections to specialists in Morgantown.

This investment means local patients can receive high-quality cancer care closer to home, surrounded by the support of family and friends.

💙 Proud to continue expanding access to cancer care across West Virginia.

12/09/2025

✨ We're proud to share a major milestone in connected cancer care across West Virginia. ✨

This fall, a patient received a hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pump in Morgantown — a highly specialized treatment that delivers concentrated chemotherapy directly to the liver.

Thanks to collaboration between our teams in Morgantown and the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center team, led by Sabir Hussain, MD, the patient can now receive all ongoing chemotherapy exchanges in Parkersburg, staying close to family and support systems.

This marks the first time WVU Cancer Institute experts have used this innovative therapy and highlights the power of our statewide network to bring advanced treatments to communities across the Mountain State.

The implant surgery was performed by Carl Schmidt, MD, chief of Surgical Oncology, who emphasized the importance of this collaboration in expanding cancer care throughout West Virginia and the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Together, our teams are delivering on a shared mission: world-class cancer care, close to home.

🔗Read the full story: https://wvumedicine.org/news-feed/news-article/WVU-Medicine/Press-Releases/wvu-cancer-institute-collaboration-expands-access-to-advanced-liver-cancer-treatment-at-camden-clark-medical-center/

12/08/2025

🎙Shailendra Singh, MD, was featured on SiriusXM's Doctor Radio to discuss our groundbreaking use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided microwave ablation to treat a pancreatic lesion — the first time this cutting-edge technology has been used in the U.S.

Dr. Singh joined Seth Gross, MD, clinical chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Langone Health, and Taylor Lamia, RN, to highlight this innovative advancement and the exceptional work happening here at the WVU Cancer Institute.

Thank you, Dr. Singh, for representing our team and bringing national attention to this important milestone in cancer care.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://siriusxm.com/player/episode-audio/entity/8e901827-d27f-7446-379b-b1907efaa527?utm_medium=shared

12/05/2025

💜 When Ravenswood High School coach Mick Price was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he approached it like a true coach – with a game plan.

Working with Brian Boone, MD, and the WVU Cancer Institute Surgical Oncology team, he experienced the same communication and teamwork he values on the court. His care team coordinated every step, removed his tumor, and helped him return to coaching his Red Devils.

At our Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Survivor Luncheon, Coach Price shared his story and encouraged others to stay positive and lean on their support systems. With three daughters who are WVU Medicine nurses, he had a strong one by his side.

We’re proud to celebrate Coach Price’s survivorship – and the dedicated teams who make stories like his possible.

🔗 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/48xAsm3

12/03/2025

🚨 A national first WVU Cancer Institute! 🚨

WVU Cancer Institute experts are the first in the U.S. to treat a pancreatic lesion using a new, minimally invasive technology called endoscopic ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (EUS-MWA).

Led by Shailendra Singh, MD, the team used this innovative approach to precisely target and destroy a pancreatic tumor without the risks of major surgery. A follow-up scan showed significant improvement for the patient.

This milestone builds on WVU Cancer Institute’s national leadership in advanced endoscopic treatments and brings new hope to those facing pancreatic cancer.

💙 Proud of our teams for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care.

Read more ➡ https://wvumedicine.org/news-feed/news-article/wvu-medicine/cancer-institute/wvu-medicine-experts-first-in-nation-to-use-innovative-endoscopy-guided-microwave-therapy-to-treat-pancreatic-lesions/

A team of WVU Medicine experts took another step in providing innovative treatment for pancreatic cancer, making them first in the nation to use cutting-edge technology to do it.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who makes the mission of the WVU Cancer Institute possible. Our dedicated physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, and volunteers show unwavering compassion and commitment every single day, providing hope and exceptional care to patients across West Virginia and beyond.

We are deeply thankful for our donors, community partners, and the countless individuals who continually show up and participate in our fundraisers and events throughout the year. Your generosity and involvement fuel vital programs, advance research, and strengthen the support we can provide to patients and families when they need it most.

Thank you for standing with us and helping move our work forward. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy Thanksgiving. 💛

11/23/2025

🧔 Beards for a cause!

WVU Medicine staff and participants across the university aren’t the only teams getting in on No Shave November—our neighbors at Glenville State baseball have pledged to the WVU Urology campaign and are growing out their facial hair to support prostate cancer care and research!

It’s all about community, teamwork, and making an impact together. There’s still time to donate or pledge. 💙

👉 Give here: give.wvu.edu/team/781325

11/22/2025

🚨 We’re officially more than halfway through No Shave November!

Our participants are growing out their beards, mustaches, and stubble for a cause—and it’s looking legendary!

There’s still time to join the fun (or support those who are)! Grow your facial hair and help the WVU Department of Urology raise funds for prostate cancer care and research. Every donation makes a difference. 💙

👉 Donate or pledge here: give.wvu.edu/team/781325

11/20/2025

Reaching patients in every corner of West Virginia takes teamwork. Through strong partnerships with our dedicated rural clinics, we’re able to bring life-saving cancer screenings directly to local communities.

Together with our clinical partners, Bonnie’s Bus Mobile Mammography Unit and LUCAS, our lung cancer screening unit, travel across the Mountain State—offering convenient, state-of-the-art screenings close to home.

Our partners are the heart of this work. Their trusted relationships and local expertise help ensure that every West Virginian has access to the care they deserve.

Learn more about our Mobile Cancer Screening Program: wvucancer.org/about-us/programs/mobile-cancer-screening-program

11/20/2025

Striking out pancreatic cancer — together. 💜🎗️

In recognition of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Nov. 20, the WVU Cancer Institute came together to honor survivors, support families, and advance hope.

Earlier this month, our Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Luncheon united survivors, clinicians, and researchers to celebrate progress and reaffirm our commitment to improving outcomes.

Days later, teams of providers, patients, families, and community members hit the lanes for the Pancreas Bowl — a spirited event led by Brian Boone, MD — to “strike out” pancreatic cancer and raise support for research and patient care.

Together, we’re driving awareness, strengthening community, and pushing forward toward better treatments and brighter futures. 💜