Penn Radiation Oncology Valley Forge: “Rads for Respite” Gearing Up for Annual Walk Benefitting For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation
Battling cancer is a grueling full-time job. So, anytime a patient and their loved ones can take a break from doctor visits, tests, and treatment it brings welcome relief.
It’s this relief, and the opportunity to “spend transformational time together” that the For Pete’s Sake (FPS) Cancer Respite Foundation seeks to provide.
For more than two decades, Dr. Et-Tsu Chen, Medical Director, Penn Radiation Oncology Valley Forge, and a member of the FPS Medical Advisory Committee, has been involved with the foundation. “It all started 20+ years ago when a young patient came to me and asked me to nominate her for an FPS Travel Respite Experience,” she explains. “Gradually, many of my Penn Medicine colleagues started taking part in FPS events and fundraising too.”
Two years ago, Dr. Chen says Penn Radiation Oncology Valley Forge decided to get more involved in the foundation’s signature For Pete’s Sake, Walk!, which takes place annually at Citizens Bank Park.
And that’s how team “Rads for Respite” was born.
Dr. Chen explains that Maureen Rogers, Radiation Therapist at Penn Radiation Oncology Valley Forge, is the team’s motivator, and radiation oncology nurse Mary Thomas was the creative genius behind the name. As team captain, Maureen’s goal is to grow the team year-over-year while raising funds to support FPS’ mission and its strategic priorities which include building a dedicated FPS respite center starting in 2026. This year, the team is hoping to raise $2,500.
Rads for Respite invites any interested individuals to join the team and walk with them on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia. The event, which Dr. Chen fondly calls, “a stroll with snacks,” features fun for the whole family including the opportunity to meet the Philly Phanatic and snap team photos in the Phillies’ dugout.
Join the Rads for Respite or donate to support their fundraising, by clicking here.
The Why Behind the Walk
When it comes to cancer fundraising, individuals with cancer between the ages of 25 and 55 are often overlooked. But according to Dr. Chen, this is where FPS has placed its focus. “These are people who are working to hang on to medical insurance so they can pay for their oncology treatment,” she says. “They’re taking care of children, taking care of parents, and as a result, vacations and other meaningful moments are oftentimes delayed or fall by the wayside.”
Through FPS, eligible adult cancer patients, their caregivers and their children, can enjoy a respite week at Woodloch Resort in the Poconos, where, according to the FPS website, they “create priceless magical, memorable moments, experience immeasurable joy amidst devastating crisis, confront cancer hardships together and find emotional healing, hope and happiness during an uncertain and tumultuous time.”
And the effects of this experience are profound. “As a provider, I get to see patients on the backside of their respite experiences,” shares Dr. Chen. “They are just bubbling over when they’re talking about the stay and how it allowed them to be able to focus as a family or gave them the energy to keep moving on with their treatments. It’s truly wonderful to witness.”