Mon County Resident Trusts Mon Health Oncology Team for her Care

Sharon Richman

 
As a former employee of Mon Health, Sharon Richman was familiar with the Medical Oncology team and the quality care they provide at Mon Health Cancer Center. That's why when Sharon was diagnosed with an inoperable lung cancer in November 2020, the choice of where she would go for treatment was clear.

Sharon was born and raised in Taylor County, WV. She attended West Virginia University where she obtained her Social Work degree. She has held several positions at Mon General Hospital, now Mon Health Medical Center, including Director of Social Services, Physician Representative, and Executive Director of Morgantown Hospice. She was also involved in the development of the Tucker County Health Fair.

"In the early 90's, I was a team member of Mon General's first marketing department. I knew Zelda Weiss and due to her loyalty to Mon General Hospital, donations became available to develop community outreach education in the name of Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Project," Sharon recalled.

Sharon and the marketing team, with Zelda's input, became involved with education and screenings in the local community which continue today. This eventually led to the development of the now Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Center at Mon Health Medical Center.

Flash forward to 2020, Sharon began experiencing breathing problems after previously being treated for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). She made an appointment to see her primary care provider when her labored breathing continued. An X-ray exposed a mass, and her physician sent her to Mon Health Medical Center for a CT scan.

"The CT scan confirmed an inoperable lung cancer. From there, all my tests and scans were set up very quickly and no time was wasted in getting a treatment plan started with Dr. Das and Dr. Littles," Sharon said.

Dr. Anup Das, Oncologist who is board-certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine, and Dr. James Littles, board-certified Radiation Oncologist, collaborated on Sharon's treatment plan to provide her with the best care possible.

"Dr. Das and Dr. Littles were phenomenal and combining their knowledge and recommendations for treatment has been amazing," she said. "The treatment plan has worked well, and I'm finished with radiation therapy and chemotherapy."

Although Sharon continues her battle with lung cancer, she has learned through first-hand experience how the Mon Health Cancer Center treats their patients.

"Every encounter I had with staff from day one was very kind, caring, and professional. The Medical Oncology team of physicians and radiologists are highly skilled in treating cancer patients and have a team of nurses, educators, and techs who all share skill and compassion with their patients," said Sharon. "It was also comforting to know that Dr. Darrell Saunders is still a vital member of the Oncology team. I have known him since 1980 when we worked together, he was the first Oncologist at Mon General."

Sharon is married to her husband, Jack, and together they have five adult children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Sharon has been active in the community and serves as a lifetime member of the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary. She has volunteered for numerous organizations including Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP), BPO Elks 411, Soroptimist International, American Cancer Society, United Way, Operation Welcome Home, Make-A-WIsh, Mountaineer Woman's Club, Morgantown Newcomer's Club, and the Mon Health Medical Center Foundation.

"There was no doubt in my mind where I would seek medical care and treatment for my cancer. It was right here at home at the Zelda Stein Weiss Cancer Center. I feel fortunate that I had such compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional care so close to home.

To learn more about the Mon Health Cancer Center and the services the Oncology team offers, visit monhealth.com/cancer or call 304-598-6578.