http://www.saintlukeskc.org/koontz

Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, 4321 Washington St. , Medical Plaza III, Ste 4100, Kansas City, MO (2025)

08/16/2025

At Saint Luke’s, we’re proud to provide exceptional maternity care to families across the 816—and even prouder to help welcome the newest little ones into the world. 🍼👶

To celebrate 816 Day, newborns received special 816 onesies—a small gift to mark big beginnings in our community.

From Kansas City and beyond, we’re honored to care for families across the metro. 💙

08/14/2025

Recently, there's been a lot of news about mRNA vaccines, which protect against COVID.

Dr. Sarah Boyd, a Saint Luke's infectious disease physician, appeared on KCUR 89.3 to discuss mRNA vaccines, how they work, and the potential impacts of recent funding cuts for medical research. Listen now: https://heyor.ca/FtiBb4

08/13/2025

Always in our health care era.

Fearless choices you make today mean a healthier forever and always. Begin again with healthy habits and speak now if you don't feel all too well. You belong with us at the intersection of innovation and hope.

08/12/2025

Jaylen thought his future as a football player was over after suffering a serious injury in high school. Thanks to Dr. Larry Frevert at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists, he is now starting his freshman year of college on a football scholarship!

The summer before his junior year, Jaylen worked hard on his strength and speed to prepare for football season. Then, he was tackled during practice and broke his collarbone.

“It was the most physical pain I’ve ever felt,” said Jaylen. “And then there was the crushing feeling that I would never play football again."

After an initial evaluation at the nearest hospital, Jaylen saw a local orthopedic doctor in Lawrence whose plan was to wait for the injury to heal naturally. Jaylen and his parents wanted a second opinion, and Rockhill was the overwhelming recommendation from friends.

They made the 70-mile drive to Lee’s Summit to see Dr. Larry Frevert, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. He confirmed the injury could heal on its own, but it would take a long time and might leave lasting mobility issues. Instead, he offered a surgical solution that provided faster relief and fewer complications.

“Dr. Frevert wanted to see me make a full recovery,” Jaylen said. “He didn’t want me to go back to playing sports with a lifetime of pain or a potential injury. That gave me a lot of peace of mind.”

Dr. Frevert surgically repaired Jaylen’s collarbone. Eight weeks of physical therapy later, Jaylen was back on the field. He is now preparing for his first season at MoWest.

Read how this young athlete got to keep chasing his dreams pain-free: https://heyor.ca/pKarR4

08/11/2025

From birthday parties to college, weddings, and now sharing the same hall at Bishop Spencer Place, Carol and Jean's friendship has stood the test of time—nearly 95 years strong! 💙

In celebration of , Carol and Jean shared their story with KMBC 9. Watch their heartwarming story: https://heyor.ca/GXbYCd

08/07/2025

The cardiovascular surgery team at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City earned extra praise for their incredible teamwork that saved a patient's life.

The team was preparing to operate on a patient when their blood pressure and heart rate dropped rapidly. Anesthesiologist Dr. Brad Kelsheimer and the cardiovascular surgery team immediately responded and worked together to stabilize the patient's condition to ensure their safety before proceeding with the essential procedure. Thanks to their fast actions and collaboration, the patient was able to go home a week later.

Thank you for your outstanding, patient-focused teamwork! 💙

08/05/2025

Families visiting The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City were treated to a special cooking demonstration with Grace, a registered dietitian, as part of Saint Luke's "Healthy Plate, Healthy Family" sponsorship. Grace showed them how to use healthy ingredients like sunflower butter, oats, and h**p hearts to make delicious birthday cake energy bites. Look for her next cooking demo at Wonderscope in October!

For adults, Grace teaches healthy recipes in the Food As Medicine Every Day (FAME) program through Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center. The next series begins Aug. 12. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/iyucfk

08/04/2025

BJC Health System has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women. 🎉

This recognition reflects our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where women can thrive through leadership development, flexibility, and opportunities to grow.

“At BJC Health System, we believe every team member makes a difference in making BJC a premier place to work,” said Jackie Tischler, chief people officer of BJC Health System. “Women make up a little more than 80% of our BJC workforce, and it’s important they feel empowered to utilize their strengths and skills to care for our patients and serve our communities.”

See the full list: https://heyor.ca/EcuSjD

08/01/2025

When a patient's family takes the time to nominate a caregiver, you know they made a lasting impact. That's exactly what happened with Marissa (center), a nursing assistant in the Progressive Care Unit 3 at Saint Luke's South Hospital. We congratulated her by presenting her with the Saint Luke's Be Exceptional Every Day (BEE) Award!

The patient's loved one described Marissa as “an extraordinary empath” who “loves her patients like family” and serves as a supportive counselor. They praised her work ethic, vast knowledge, and deep understanding of what families go through when a loved one is hospitalized.

“Marissa understands the concerns a family has when their loved one is in the hospital. She is superb!”

Congratulations, Marissa, and thank you for being extraordinary! 💙

07/31/2025

Our new four-legged therapist at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute is making an immediate impact on patient care this year. Henli, the facility dog, assists with physical, occupational, and speech therapy in her own special canine way. Patients love her, and she motivates them to work even harder. 🐾 💙

Watch Henli’s TV debut on KSHB 41: https://heyor.ca/0CgSUO

07/30/2025

Motivated by the stories and ideas shared during Community Health Improvement Week, the team at Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Shoal Creek gathered nearly 100 pounds of food during a drive to support Harvesters - The Community Food Network.

Community Health Improvement Week takes place in June and serves to highlight the importance of addressing social drivers of health. Harvesters is one of Saint Luke’s social impact initiative organizations that provides meals to families facing food insecurity across the region.

“Our team was proud to collect 93 pounds of non-perishable food donations,” says Krista, Shoal Creek clinical supervisor. “I admire their dedication to caring for our community both inside and outside the clinic walls.”

From food insecurity and housing challenges to lack of transportation or community support, social drivers of health are barriers that directly affect patient well-being. Saint Luke’s collaborates with trusted organizations like Harvesters to strengthen our social impact and help patients and community members navigate challenges that extend beyond clinical care.

“Through these collaborations, we’re working to empower patients to achieve better outcomes,” says Meredith, Community Health Initiatives program manager. “When we connect patients with food resources, safe housing, or transportation, we’re not just solving short-term problems—we’re building long-term pathways to healthier lives.”

Thank you to the Shoal Creek Primary Care team for supporting our shared mission! 💙

07/29/2025

BJC Health System has received more than 100 recognitions for clinical excellence by U.S. News and World Report, with multiple BJC hospitals ranking among the best in Missouri: Barnes-Jewish Hospital and its physician partners from WashU Medicine Physicians, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Saint Luke's East Hospital, and Christian Hospital. Pediatric hospital rankings will be released later this fall—in 2024, St. Louis Children's Hospital ranked nationally in 10 pediatric specialties.

We are incredibly proud of our clinical teams and are thankful for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence. We are honored by this recognition and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care to our communities across the Midwest.

See the complete list of BJC Health System honors: https://heyor.ca/hxjOQQ

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

10/13/2024

Today is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals battling this devastating disease.

Saint Luke's Koontz Center stands together to honor the fighters and those we've lost to metastatic breast cancer. This day is a reminder that more than the MBC ribbons, it’s about research, support, and hope for better treatments and a cure. Together, we can uplift one another and continue to raise awareness.

Join us on a healing retreat for MBC patients Nov. 8-10. Learn more and enroll now: https://heyor.ca/FQtv8U

10/09/2024

Mackenzie is the primary outpatient rehabilitation specialist at the Koontz Center. She treats patients through the cancer care journey to identify problem areas caused by their cancer and address them through physical therapy and education.

"I find that the most challenging aspect of this type of cancer care is the duration of treatment and the changes it has on the body," said Mackenzie. "I think it’s essential that we get patients educated early in their diagnosis on the importance of exercise and how this can impact their functional levels."

Mackenzie came to Saint Luke's in 2012 after earning her doctorate in physical therapy. She has a strong desire to help people and enjoys working with oncology patients, many of whom become friends. Her career gives her lots of perspective about resiliency and having a positive attitude no matter what you face.

"Research shows that patients who regularly achieve the American Cancer Society's exercise guidelines do better demonstrating less fatigue, improved quality of life, and overall survivorship."

09/19/2024

Our Saint Luke's Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer retreats are a chance for women and men with metastatic breast cancer to get away and experience renewal and connection.

Participants experience community by bonding and learning from one another about how to deal with the chronic nature of this disease.

Enroll today for our 2024 Singles Retreat Nov. 8-10: saintlukeskc.org/koontzretreat

07/08/2024

Whether you're just beginning your journey with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) or have been navigating it for some time, proper nutrition is crucial and can present unique challenges.

Join us tomorrow for an informative session with registered dietitian Dayane Parker, RDN, LD. Dayane will share the latest recommendations on cancer and nutrition, providing valuable insights to support your health and well-being. Don't miss this opportunity! Dayane’s enthusiasm and positive approach to nutrition will empower and guide you on your cancer journey.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4brr1UU

07/01/2024

Summer travel plans can be fun, exciting, and a much-needed break. Our nurse navigator, Janie Metsker, has some travel tips that with a bit of careful planning can help your trip go smoothly with metastatic breast cancer.

1. Discuss travel plans with your oncologist. 🗣️
2. Keep a detailed list of your medications, dosages, and your doctor’s contact information. 📋
3. Refill your prescriptions early so you have enough doses for the trip. 💊
4. Pack all necessary medications, medical supplies, and supportive medications for symptom management. 💼
5. Stay hydrated! 💧
6. Listen to your body. Take rest breaks. 🛌
7. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with a high SPF. ☀️
8. If flying, contact the airline in advance for any special considerations such as a wheelchair at the gate and transportation to another gate. ✈️
9. TSA recommends calling their helpline 72 hours prior to your flight if you have any concerns about getting through the security checkpoint. 👮
10. Wear compression stockings and walk around frequently on car trips or flights to avoid blood clots. 🚶
11. Know what medical facilities are in the area of your destination. 🏥
12. Read more about flying with cancer here: https://bit.ly/3zboocc

06/03/2024

Summer is here! Our lymphedema therapist, Jannell Thome, has some tips for those at risk of lymphedema to avoid injuries that can trigger swelling:

1. Drink plenty of water. 💦
2. Apply lotion daily. 💧
3. Use sunscreen and reapply as directed. ☀️
4. Use skin-friendly but effective mosquito and tick repellent. 🐝
5. Wear gloves when gardening (and long sleeves if needed). 🌻
6. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. 🌡️
7. Clean any cuts or scrapes and keep them covered. 🤕

If you notice the limb on the affected side feels heavy, achy, fatigued, or tingly, stop what you’re doing, rest, elevate the arm, and drink lots of water. If the symptoms continue, contact your oncologist to discuss a potential referral to lymphedema therapy.

05/24/2024

A breast cancer diagnosis brings not just physical challenges, but also mental and emotional ones. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, sexual health concerns, and end-of-life planning are common factors.

At the Koontz Center, our licensed psychologists, Dr. Kadie Harry and Dr. Becky Hunter, are here to cater to those specific needs. We believe in more than just treating cancer—our team is dedicated to caring for the whole woman.

Learn more about our supportive oncology and rehabilitation services: https://bit.ly/4bPbNK0

05/20/2024

Mackenzie, our Koontz Center oncology physical therapist, encourages patients to go for a walk to feel better during active treatment.

New research shows positive benefits in stage IV breast cancer patients performing a walking intervention at home without supervision while on active treatment.

Read the full study in the National Library of Medicine: https://bit.ly/3Ubl2Or

04/30/2024

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is an antibody drug conjugate currently approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that is either HER2 positive or HER2 Low as determined by an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test staining the cancer cells.

Results from a new clinical trial suggest that MBC patients who no longer respond to anti-estrogen treatments may benefit from trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) rather than chemotherapy if they have any HER2 at all. This potentially would expand the potential benefits of trastuzumab deruxtecan to 85 percent of all MBC patients.

Read more: https://bit.ly/44j10oN

04/10/2024

Nearly all individuals with metastatic breast cancer experience some level of distress as they navigate uncertainty about the future, ongoing treatments, financial stressors, relational tension, end-of-life decisions, and countless other sources of stress. Distress commonly increases prior to imaging scans, and the term “scanxiety” has been coined to describe this common experience.

At the Koontz Center, we ask patients to rate distress so we can address concerns and provide interventions. Our Nurse Navigator, Janie Metsker, guides patients to our Koontz Center oncology team of experts and to community resources, such as Gilda’s Club of Kansas City.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xtFTn9

04/08/2024

Koontz Center patients love getting to know Shelby, an advanced practice provider. She works closely with oncologists to help patients undergoing active treatment and educates patients and families on treatment plans.

“We believe in more than just treating the cancer—we focus on a wholesome approach to care,” said Shelby. “What makes the Koontz Center’s approach unique is we have a singular goal of improving outcomes and quality of life in patients with advanced breast cancer.”

Shelby’s career began as a nurse in Texas before starting at Saint Luke’s as a nurse clinician in the ambulatory clinic. After earning her master’s degree, she returned to Saint Luke’s, where she thoroughly enjoys working with oncology patients.

“These women are in a very vulnerable state and need providers that harbor empathy and sympathy for each situation they face in their journey.”

Shelby says she loves working with a great interdisciplinary team, but her favorite part is celebrating each individual patient success. 💙

Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer