As National Cancer Survivor Month is observed this June, cancer patients treated at Weiss Memorial Hospital are grateful for the care they have received. The center provides a warm and caring environment for cancer treatment and is a convenient location for Uptown residents to receive advanced care right in their own neighborhood.

Oncology team at Weiss

Pictured above left to right: Luz Mejia, MA; Myrna Deguzman, RN; Sindiso Ncube, RN; Dr. May Hashimi; Chastidy Derrick, MA; Valencia Maricela, Biller; Dr Stuart Krauss; Sanela Besic, Practice Manager. 

“I am so grateful to Dr. Krauss and the cancer team at Weiss for diagnosing and treating my blood disorder. I am still on my journey—but it is a journey of love. I’m grateful for the friendships that have blossomed along the way,” shared Holly McGuire, a patient of Medical Oncologist Stuart Krauss, MD. Dr. Krauss has been the medical director of Oncology at Weiss for more than 40 years and is consistently named by his peers as a Top Cancer Doctor in Chicago Magazine.

Weiss patient advocates

Pictured above left to right: Regina Long, Patient Service Representative and Pharmacy staff Bibiana Fermin and Begum Lodi.

The cancer center supports patients throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Each June the Weiss cancer team hosts a special health and wellness program to celebrate survivors and those still on their journey. Patients also have access to multiple support groups and fitness classes such as chair yoga and Tai Chi.

“We offer the best of both worlds at Weiss. As a community hospital we provide a friendly and welcoming space and treat our patients like family. As a research-focused cancer program we offer the latest cancer treatments and access to a wide range of clinical trials,” stated Joyce Jones, cancer program coordinator at Weiss.

The Strauss Cancer Center has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer since 1960 and is one of the longest continuously accredited programs in Chicago. A dedicated cancer team on call 24/7, includes two medical oncologists and a radiation oncologist that see patients within 24 hours of referral. Weiss is proud to be affiliated with the American Cancer Society, an important partner that provides critical resources and support for cancer patients.

“Our mission at the Strauss Cancer Center has always been to be our community’s most trusted resource for cancer treatment. We are proud of our rich history of providing advanced cancer care that is personalized to meet the needs of our patients,” said Dr. Krauss.

Beverly Schwartz reflected on her experience as a patient of Radiation Oncologist Marina Kuznetsova, MD. “I feel blessed a million times over. Blessed to be cancer-free, blessed to be COVID-free, and blessed to be healthy. I thank God and pray every day. I feel so grateful with each negative mammogram. I am grateful to Dr. Kuznetsova and her team for their help, love, and support.”

Learn more about the Strauss Cancer Center at Weiss Memorial Hospital