An Interview with Greg Garber
Philadelphia, PA– Few people are more aware of the difficulties local cancer patients face each day than Greg Garber, the director of Oncology Support Services at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. With Philly Runs Free and the Philly Love Run coming up in just a few short months, I asked Mr. Garber, who is also a Legacy of Hope board member, to shed some light on the issues cancer patients deal with, how these issues impact their treatment, and how the runners on March 31st will help Legacy of Hope provide cancer patients and their families with relief from the non-medical burdens associated with their journey.
The median household income in the area which Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center primarily serves is only $16,500 according to Mr. Garber. “Patients and families’ primary focus is not on dealing with a serious illness like cancer; its on feeding their families, keeping their utilities on, and just getting through their day-to-day.” While we can all appreciate the financial burden cancer patients may experience with regards to medications, treatments, and hospitalization, it can often be overlooked how the disease affects other aspects of a patient’s life. Garber points out that the “financial toxicity” of cancer can be just as bad as the chemo toxicity many patients experience, putting them at risk for not following up appropriately. “These are the gaps that Legacy of Hope has helped with in a dramatic fashion.”