Saint Luke's Cancer Institute

09/04/2025

We want to recognize the incredibly talented violinist Joanna Metsker! Guests at our inaugural Gem of a Night event were enchanted by her melodies as they arrived. Recognize the song?

Gem of a Night celebrated women's heart and breast health. Joanna's mother, Janie, was part of the team at Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer before she retired last year. They both use their unique talents to help us raise awareness of women's health issues.

Thank you, Joanna, for making our event so memorable!

09/04/2025

When Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center and Saint Luke's Cancer Institute join forces to educate our community on the importance of women's health, the result is a Gem of a Night!

The inaugural Saint Luke's Gem of a Night event brought a full house to the luxurious Meierotto Jewelers with bejeweled flowers, live music, and a picturesque balloon display provided by Up, Up & Away! Cardiologist Dr. Tracy Stevens and breast radiologist Dr. Ruby Meierotto gave eye-opening presentations about heart and breast health.

Together, we’re empowering women with knowledge, sparking conversations, and shining a brighter light on the future of women’s health.

08/27/2025

Ten years ago, doctors estimated Melissa had about three years to live.

In March 2015, Melissa was experiencing severe headaches. On March 25, the pain became overwhelming, and her husband Don called for help. An ambulance took Melissa to Wright Memorial Hospital, and an MRI revealed Melissa had glioblastoma—a serious form of cancer that originates in the brain with a five-year survival rate of about 5%.

Melissa was sent to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City for emergency surgery, followed by chemo, radiation, and rehab. Ten years later, Melissa, 68, has recovered physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and now greets each day with excitement.

“I wake up smiling, and it carries with me,” Melissa says. “It's in everything you see, every song you hear. It's everywhere.”

In 2023, Melissa began seeing Dr. Samuel Goldlust, a neuro-oncologist, for continuing care.

"Dr. Goldlust is very impressive," Don said. "He took the time to understand our history before entering the room."

Though Melissa has physical limitations and had to relearn to speak, she embraces what her body can manage and cherishes time she once feared she’d lose. Melissa and Don recently saw their son graduate from Kansas State University summa cm laude—another one of those little moments that mean so much.

Melissa and Don saw firsthand how Saint Luke’s stands apart through our dedication to advanced cancer research and treatments. With support from generous donors, we deliver leading-edge care to thousands of patients. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲: https://heyor.ca/Ji6lOs

08/22/2025

Summer sunshine offers many joys—but it also comes with some risks. Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 individuals.

Dr. Megan McNally, a surgical oncologist, emphasizes sun protection strategies and the crucial role of early detection. Watch her conversation with KCTV5 News Kansas City to learn how to protect your skin: https://heyor.ca/SM8H5E

Megan McNally, MD, a surgical oncologist with Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, shares tips on sun protection and early skin cancer detection.

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

Catching cancer early can make all the difference. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, but when found early, treatment is far more effective. Saint Luke’s comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program helps identify cancer at its earliest, most curable stage.

You may qualify for screening if:
✔️ You’re 50–80 years old AND
✔️ You have a 20+ pack-year smoking history OR
✔️ You currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years

Next steps:
📞 Talk with your provider to see if screening is right for you
📝 A provider’s order is required to schedule screening

Learn more about Saint Luke’s comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program: https://heyor.ca/IfXM9l

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

06/13/2025

The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is highlighting how cancer programs are utilizing genomic data to enhance access to clinical trials in a new video series featuring Saint Luke's Cancer Institute Center for Precision Oncology.

Dr. Marc Roth, gastrointestinal oncologist, and Dr. Ossama Tawfik, pathologist—along with a team of experts—share how our approach is making a difference for patients across the region.

Watch the series from ACCC for more on how our team is advancing the future of cancer care:

To help cancer care teams in the community setting implement genetic testing into patient care, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) offers this spo...

06/13/2025

In 2023, after a day of repeated fainting spells, author Michael Kathrens was rushed to the Emergency Department at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.

Michael was prescribed semaglutide by his Saint Luke’s provider to manage his blood sugar. After starting the medication, he began experiencing stomach symptoms, which led him to request a colonoscopy in the Emergency Department—something he now credits with saving his life.

The scope revealed a mass in his colon. Dr. Benjamin Kulow, a colon and re**al surgeon with Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, recommended surgery. Michael underwent the procedure in February 2024, and pathology revealed stage 3 cancer. He began chemotherapy to increase his chances of remission.

Throughout his journey, Michael was guided by Dr. Kulow and Dr. Marc Roth, a gastrointestinal oncologist, who have made his experience better along the way.

“Everyone at Saint Luke’s has been kind and patient when I’ve needed patience,” Michael said. “I wrote a book about Kansas City houses, and Dr. Kulow purchased a copy. It showed that he listens to patients beyond a pathology level.”

Michael recently had a colonoscopy, and the results showed that he is cancer-free.

“Even when it was tough, I trusted my medical team, and I came out on the other side,” Michael said. “Now, I’m just focused on living my life and enjoying every moment.”

The American Cancer Society recommends adults start regular colonoscopy screening at the age of 45—sooner if they are at high risk for colon cancer. Learn more or schedule your screening: https://heyor.ca/22UEGG

06/09/2025

As a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at Saint Luke's North Hospital, Dr. Elizabeth Butler helps guide patients through their cancer journey—providing compassionate care and making a direct impact through surgery.

“I enjoy serving the patient population of mainly women because they are often the caretakers,” Dr. Butler said. “During their time of need, we are able to give back and take care of them.”

Dr. Butler works in a multidisciplinary team environment with a fellowship-trained breast radiologist, plastic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiology oncologists to ensure each patient receives personalized care.

“Working in a team environment with other specialties and taking care of very appreciative patients makes it all extremely rewarding,” Dr. Butler said.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Dr. Butler is proud to serve her hometown alongside a highly skilled team.

“Saint Luke’s has an excellent tradition in Kansas City, and I think the opportunity to continue to grow that was a big draw,” Dr. Butler said. “The chance to work with highly trained people focused on the same goal was an excellent opportunity.” 💙

05/29/2025

Saint Luke's Cancer Institute's new Comprehensive Cancer Program is now open on the campus of Saint Luke's North Hospital-Barry Road! 🎉

State-of-the-art technology, additional providers, and immediate appointments are all conveniently located in the Northland, giving you access to comprehensive cancer care closer to home.

Take an inside look with Dan and Dr. Zach Nicholas, Director of Radiation Oncology, to see all this expanded space has to offer.

05/23/2025

Cancer death rates in the United States have been declining for the past two decades. Several treatments contributing to these improvements in cancer survival are offered right here at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute.

Dr. Marc Roth, Saint Luke's medical director of gastrointestinal oncology, stopped by Health News You Can Use for to discuss some of the exciting new tools and treatments now available to doctors and their patients.

05/02/2025

Saint Luke's Cancer Institute has a long history of delivering expert, personalized cancer care to the Northland—and now with expanded services, including radiation therapy on the campus of Saint Luke's North Hospital, patients can access comprehensive care even closer to home.

This expansion means patients in the growing Northland community will have easier access to advanced treatments, early detection, expert diagnosis, and a full range of supportive services—all in one location. The program offers specialized care from medical and radiation oncologists with expertise across various cancer types, along with fellowship-trained breast and colore**al surgeons. Patients will also benefit from genomic sequencing, precision oncology, and access to more than 200 clinical trials.

Beyond treatment, patients will find supportive oncology and rehabilitation services to help them manage the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.

Saint Luke’s is proud to provide compassionate, comprehensive cancer care to the Northland, supporting patients every step of the way. 💙