Kyle Vercelli met with Pamela Wells, a Ridley-Tree Cancer Center dietitian, as part of his treatment for colorectal cancer and that experience significantly reduced his pain and expedited his recovery.

“Pam knew exactly what to do and what would help me,” said Kyle, who was at high risk for bowel obstruction given the size and placement of his tumor. “She completely changed my diet and I’m fairly certain that if it weren’t for her, I would have undergone surgery to remove the blockage.”

As the funder of nutrition counseling at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation ensures that all patients have access to oncology dietitians whose guidance can help reduce side effects and dramatically improve outcomes. The nutrition program provides patients with individualized recommendations backed by scientific research and clinical experience.

With mounting medical bills, Kyle admitted that he probably would not have engaged with an oncology nutritionist if he had to pay for the services himself. “I’m sure there are people who think they don’t need a dietitian but it should almost be enforced — it was that huge for me.”

“I’m sure there are people who think they don’t need a dietician but it should almost be enforced — it was that huge for me.”