Patient Stories

Maja’s Story: How Integrative Health Helped Me through Chemotherapy

In addition to living with a rare lung disease for the past 20 years, Maja Flannery was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2021. Though surgery removed the actual cancer, chemotherapy was recommended to address any other possible unidentified cancer that might have been left. Maja was torn about going through with the chemo due to her underlying lung disease concerns. She thought to herself – “Would my body be able to make it through this next phase?”

As Maja tried to reach a decision, one of her good friends suggested Maja research the benefits of integrative health. Taking her advice, Maja searched the web and found Dr. Golubic who “opened the door to the world of Integrative Health and all the wonderful people that are part of this community.” After a Lifestyle Medicine Consultation with Dr. Golubic, Maja knew she had found what she was searching for – she received the tools that she needed to get through her chemo treatment.

Acupuncture with Angela helped get Maja’s body ready for chemo, yoga with Tina helped Maja relax during her chemo treatments and Dr. Walker’s mindfulness meditation has saved Maja stress and heartache. Thanks to the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, Maja has the tools she needs to make it through the acute phase of cancer treatments, the recovery phase, and now through the survivorship phase.

Hilary’s Journey with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Scoliosis

In January 2011, at 39 years old, Hilary’s world turned on its head when he received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at UC Health’s Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis. Driven to help others in similar situations, Amy and Hilary embarked on a mission. After realizing an opportunity to help bridge the efforts of national organizations and local patients, they launched their nonprofit organization, Strikeout MS, to support patients with MS in their community. Knowing little about running a nonprofit, they educated themselves, learned the ropes, and set out to provide greater support for integrative health programs that complement traditional multiple sclerosis treatments.

In 2021, Hilary's care team connected him and his family with the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, one of only 11 Osher Centers in the world, with therapies conveniently housed directly within the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. Integrative health may seem like a newer field, but its roots run deep, drawing from ancient practices worldwide that emphasize whole-person care. Modern integrative therapies are grounded in evidence-based approaches implemented alongside a patient’s primary treatment plan. These therapies focus on enhancing overall well-being, addressing key areas like stress management, optimal nutrition, and physical activity. For patients with conditions like MS, integrative care can help alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances, providing a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments.

During a one-on-one lifestyle medicine consultation with Dr. Mladen Golubic, Medical Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health at UC, Hilary and Dr. Golubic reviewed his health journey and goals. Together, they prioritized managing chronic pain, enhancing mobility and sleep, and embracing a healthier lifestyle focused on nutrition. Hilary then incorporated regular practices like yoga, Tai Chi, and mindfulness meditation into his routine, both individually and in group settings, including participation in virtual group medical visits designed for patients with MS.

"Hilary's deep curiosity and holistic approach to life fit perfectly with the key principles of Integrative Medicine, which emphasize the mind-body-spirit connection, active patient involvement in their own care, and the nurturing of strong therapeutic relationships between patients and healthcare providers," said Dr. Golubic.

The application of integrative health has transformed Hilary's life, but some healing approaches like yoga therapy, art therapy and Tai Chi aren't covered by insurance yet. “If people have to pay $25 for these things, and they are unable to work, they’re not going to show up,” Dr. Golubic said. So, they made it their mission to help offer these therapies at little to no cost, ensuring no one had to choose between care and financial hardship. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of people like Hilary, most of these services provided by the UC Osher Center are now available at no cost.

Kathy's Story: Cancer Wellness Clinic Provides Support While Facing Uterine Cancer

Pete’s Story: From Pain to Wellness

Pictured: Dr. Golubic joined Pete on center court at the UC Men’s Basketball Game as Pete rang the cancer bell to celebrate the completion of his treatment on World Cancer Day.

Retired P&G researcher, Pete Ventura is a chronic lymphocytic leukemia survivor who was experiencing chronic fatigue, chronic pain in his legs and feet, and side effects from his type 2 diabetes.

Referred by his blood cancer physician, Pete connected with Dr. Golubic for a Lifestyle Medicine Consultation and received a personalized self-care plan incorporating a plant-based diet, mindfulness and meditation and physical activity guidance.

Within three months of positive lifestyle changes, Pete’s chronic pain is essentially resolved, his type 2 diabetes has greatly improved, and he now has enough energy to complete 18 holes of golf without needing a long nap during the day!

Mark’s Story: Ditching Daily Painkillers for Stomach Pain after Switching to a Healthy Diet

Pictured: One of Mark’s passions is helping local charities. Now that he’s thriving, he’s back to building baby cribs for the Rose Garden Mission.

Mark’s bile duct cancer was successfully treated in 2020 after numerous therapies including the Whipple procedure – where part of his pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder, lymph nodes, and small intestine were removed.

Although Mark was cancer free, his life was put on hold due to serious stomach issues and pain. For over two years, Mark spent most of his days curled up in a ball – knees near chest – with the only sense of temporary relief coming from daily painkillers and muscle relaxers. At this point, he felt hopeless and was ready to get off the medications and get on with his life.

Mark was eventually referred to Angela Lai, Licensed Acupuncturist at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Cincinnati, and he describes the first day that he sat down with her as the day that his healing journey began. Not only did Angela provide relief through acupuncture, but she also created a personalized diet plan for him that would lead to a painless, drug-free life. Within two weeks of incorporating his new diet, Mark ditched the painkillers and is back to enjoying his hobbies and time with his wife, children, and grandkids.