Lifesaving Scan Inspires Patient To Give To Neighbors In Need
Patient Stories Cancer General Health & Wellness
March 23, 2022
As Pam Oliver’s birthday approached, she decided to give herself the gift of good health.
“I’d been getting these cards in the mail from Franciscan Health about screenings,” Oliver said, “and I decided to arrange a scan as a birthday gift to myself.”
Oliver has an adult daughter, an adult son, as well as three grandchildren. She knew that to continue traveling to see them, run and swim with them, and enjoy their company, she had to stay healthy. So, if Oliver had any health problems, she wanted to find out about them early.
And, thanks to that screening, that’s exactly what happened.
Oliver’s screen revealed issues in her lungs that were identified as cancer in subsequent tests. Thanks to her decision to give herself a birthday screen, the cancer was detected at an early stage and surgically removed before it had a chance to spread.
“If not for that scan, this would have been a whole different story,” said Oliver, who now faithfully performs exercises to account for a 20 percent reduction in lung capacity. “It could have been months or even years before I had any symptoms.”
Oliver is understandably very thankful that the cancer was detected and removed. She is acting on her gratitude with the generous gift of two heart scans to be given each month to Chicago Southland neighbors who cannot afford to have one.
Franciscan Health’s affordably priced screening bundles are designed to help those who meet age and risk factor qualifications better understand their health. Heart, lung and vascular screening packages start at $49, and include a heart risk assessment.
“I believe God put it in my heart to help someone.” Oliver explained. “So I wanted to pay for people who could not afford to pay.”
“The gift of scans is quite valuable,” said Laurie Crosby, Franciscan Health Foundation Executive Director. She said, “When you’re trying to make the choice between putting food on the table and a scan, people often don’t consider the scan to be a priority until it’s too late.”
“We are grateful to Ms. Oliver for her gift, which helps support the Foundation’s dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of our community,” Crosby added.
In addition to scans, Oliver advises others to follow up with their doctor to check their blood pressure and glucose levels and make sure they are not at risk for a stroke.
“We still need to get exercise, watch our glucose and sugar intake, and live a heart healthy life,” Oliver said.
