Share Your Story

As an empowered Cancer Fighter, you are an inspiration to others.  We are honored to have you as a member of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America family.  Below are some suggested questions to consider when writing your story.

• Name
• Cancer Type & Stage
• Contact Info
  • Mailing Address         
  • Home phone
  • Cell phone
  • E-mail Address
  • Date of Birth
• Getting to Know You  
  • Where are you originally from (where you grew up) and what’s your current hometown like?
  • What is your occupation, hobbies, likes/dislikes?
  • How are you doing in your treatment and recovery (physically, mentally, caregiver status, etc)?
  • Are you involved in any organizations, charities and/or awareness groups in your community (spiritual, support, etc.)?
  • What is your role?  
  • Do you speak a second language? (Nationality/Culture?)
• From Home to Hope
  • How many other hospitals did you treat with before coming to CTCA?
  • What drove or empowered you to research other options (if any)?
  • What was the length of time you were researching and seeking second, third, fourth opinions?
  • How did you first learn about CTCA?  
  • What brought you to CTCA and when?
  • Do you remember anything about your first call to CTCA?  (i.e. name of person you spoke with, how you were treated/helped, etc)  
  • Did you talk to a current or former patient before deciding to come to CTCA (if yes who did you speak with and how did they help you make an informed decision, where do they live?) 
  • What are some of the reasons that prompted you to choose CTCA? (i.e.: The reputation of our expert oncologists/nursing staff/staff? The team devoted to your health?)
  • How far did you travel to treat at CTCA?  
  • How did CTCA work to make your whole experience move as smoothly as possible? (i.e.: Help with travel coordination, etc.)
• Treatment Plan
  • Describe your treatment and the therapy options you chose to pursue? Radiation, chemo-therapy, etc -- How were you involved in these decisions? 
  • Share your experience with complementary alternative medicines (integrative medicine) what did you utilize at CTCA (nutrition, naturopathy, mind body medicine, pain management, spiritual support)?
  • Do you recall when your first treatment was with CTCA (approximately)?  
  • What doctors did you work with directly? Describe your relationship with your doctors at CTCA.
  • What did you get in your treatment at CTCA that you were not already receiving?
• Defining the Difference
  • Is there a portion of your CTCA experience that really stands out in your mind as something that really made a difference to your recovery?
  • In your words, what are some of the differences between CTCA and standard treatment providers?
  • What stands out in your mind as your favorite memory or personal moment at CTCA?
• Through your Eyes
  • How did you feel (emotionally) while at CTCA? (Did you feel comfortable? Cared for? Did you feel that your needs were always considered?)
  • What were the experiences of your loved ones like when they visited you at CTCA?
  • Of the many caregivers and friends that have been there to support you throughout your treatment, can you think of one or two extraordinary and inspirational stories you could share (i.e. friendships since childhood, husband and wife have cancer, etc. – maybe a better way to word?)?
  • What is the most important life lesson, tip or way you found hope that you would share with others experiencing cancer?
• Spreading the Word
  • Have you participated in any community programming efforts as a Cancer Fighter, please describe?
  • Have you ever referred other cancer patients to CTCA?  If so, how did you describe CTCA to them?
  • Did you establish any special relationships with employees or other patients at CTCA?  
  • Are you interested in sharing your story with the news media or cancercenter.com website?