She has special interests in mental and behavioral health, substance use disorder, birth control and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment, LGBTQIA gender-affirming health care, pediatrics and preventive medicine.

McMartin earned her medical degree at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She then completed her family medicine residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

McMartin is an Oklahoma native excited to return to her home state to provide primary and preventive care. As an osteopathic physician, she takes a holistic approach to health and understands the importance of the mind-body connection. She offices at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Enid Medical Plaza, located at 620 S. Madison, Suite 204 in Enid, Oklahoma. For more information, call 580-977-1965.

The auxiliary plays a crucial role in this initiative, generously sewing the linens and donating them to the Pillowcase Project. The need for this partnership and the pillowcases arose when requests for thicker, more comfortable pillows were received through patient surveys and weekly rounding reports.

After reviewing these concerns, Steve Atwood, director of behavioral health at INTEGRIS Health Meadowlake, submitted the materials change for consideration to INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, Kenna Wilson.

“Kenna and I coordinated with the hospital’s environmental services department, who helped us find another option,” says Atwood. “The request was approved to move forward with purchasing the thicker pillows to replace the current pillows within the facility. During this time, Kenna mentioned how it would be nice for the patients to have a personal pillowcase they could use while they are here and take home with them.”

Not every pillowcase is the same. Each linen has been individually sewn with love and care. “We currently have a handful of volunteers who have shown interest in the Pillowcase Project and were the ones who sewed and donated the current pillowcases we have for the program,” says Amanda Jordan, manager of volunteer services and gift shop at INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital. “Individuals who may not have the ability to dedicate volunteer time at our facilities, in person, now have an additional opportunity to help.”

“Something as simple as a pillowcase can be a blessing most of us probably take for granted,” Wilson says. “For some of our patients having a pillowcase of their own at home is a luxury.”

INTEGRIS Health Meadowlake is a Joint Commission-accredited and OKDHS-licensed psychiatric hospital and behavioral health facility treating children and adolescents. If you or someone you know has a passion for sewing and is interested in partnering with the volunteer auxiliary program to provide pillowcases to the Pillowcase Project, please call 580-548-1113.

Since 2016, Alea has been a dedicated and passionate women’s health provider. Her areas of expertise include breast health, obstetrical care, contraception, adolescent care, STD screening and management, menopause care, PCOS and abnormal uterine bleeding.

She earned her degree in nursing from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and her master’s in nursing while enrolled in the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Cincinnati.

Rogers believes in the importance of personalized care and the uniqueness behind each woman’s health journey. She considers a holistic approach that focuses not only on the physical aspect but also on her patients’ emotional and mental well-being.

Alea is accepting new patients at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology South Madison, located at 620 S. Madison, Suite 304. Contact the office during regular business hours at 580-977-1902. Learn more at integrishealth.org/doctors/alea-rogers.

In Nov. 2022, AllianceHealth, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, informed the City of Woodward it would not renew the lease for the Woodward hospital when it expires on Nov. 30, 2023. Since that time, city leaders began a search for a new organization to lease and operate the Woodward hospital.

“The City of Woodward is excited to partner with INTEGRIS Health to bring exceptional health care to our community, which will not only benefit Woodward residents but all of Northwest Oklahoma, and the tri-state region. The partnership with INTEGRIS Health will also establish Woodward as a regional source for health care services,” said Shaun Barnett, City Manager.

INTEGRIS Health, the largest Oklahoma-owned not-for-profit health system in the state, is known for innovation and unparalleled quality offering advanced treatment options and specialties found nowhere else in the region. “INTEGRIS Health’s mission is partnering with people to live healthier lives. We are thrilled to partner with the City of Woodward to advance our mission by serving more lives in the western part of our state,” said Timothy Pehrson, President and CEO.

INTEGRIS Health will begin operating the hospital on Dec. 1, 2023.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a bi-annual event in April and October created by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offering free, anonymous disposal of unneeded medications.

INTEGRIS Bass Pharmacy Manager Kathryn Tennell initiated the local event, citing the importance of proper medication disposal. “If not discarded appropriately, unused or expired prescription drugs (and even over-the-counter drugs) can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse,” Tennell said. “Prescription drugs thrown in the trash have been known to be retrieved by small children with fatal outcomes.”

She continued, “Drugs discarded in the trash can also be removed by teens or adults and abused or illegally sold. Flushing them down a toilet puts them into our water supply. Disposing of your unused drugs at a take back site or event is the best way to protect your family, the public and our environment.”

The OBN began the Oklahoma-based drug take back program more than a decade ago, giving individuals an opportunity to safely dispose of medications that are expired, unwanted or no longer needed. Needles, syringes and inhalers will not be accepted, but information regarding proper disposal of these materials can be found on the OBN website.

“This is just a single event to highlight the need to dispose of unused meds. Permanent take-back sites in Enid listed on the DEA website include local pharmacies Evans Drug Center, Scheffe’s Prescription Shop and Wal-Mart,” Tennell said.

Coffee Inclination and the Oklahoma Blood Institute will be on site as well, allowing community members to not only drop off old prescriptions, but also save lives through blood donation and enjoy a specialty coffee.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and then attended the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate Program. Daniels loves family medicine because it allows her to treat patients of all ages, while watching families develop and grow together.

Daniels believes in listening to her patients’ concerns and working as a team to provide the most comprehensive care. “In my role as a family medicine physician associate, I strive to provide complete and comprehensive care by listening to my patients and looking at the big picture. I believe showing compassion, cultivating trust and creating relationships with patients fosters a more comfortable environment in which we can discuss diagnoses and options for treatment as a team.”

Her areas of interest include family care, pediatrics, dermatology and women’s health.

Daniels will begin seeing patients April 11. To schedule an appointment, call INTEGRIS Family Care Enid at 580-977-1910.

His heart transplant took place on Nov. 2, 2022, at the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute in Oklahoma City. “I just broke down crying when they told me the news,” Gus remembers. “I had gotten to the point that I really didn’t think it was ever going to happen. I didn’t think I was ever going to get a transplant.”

“Now I have a heartbeat,” he continues. “I hadn’t felt my heart beat for years. So when they gave me a stethoscope and let me hear my new heart shortly after surgery – I was crying again!”

The Journey

Gus’ heart journey began in 2008, when the then 29-year-old first came to the newly established INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiac Care program at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center.

Diagnosed with an enlarged heart, or cardiomyopathy, Harbert’s heart was unable A person holding a baby Description automatically generatedto pump enough blood through his body. His condition was rapidly deteriorating. “I was dying, that’s God’s honest truth. My son, Cameron, was only two years at the time. He had his whole life ahead of him and I likely wasn’t going to be in it, without a miracle.”

As if an answer to a prayer, Gus became the first patient at INTEGRIS Health to be implanted with a left ventricular assist device, known as an LVAD.

Connected to the left ventricle of the heart and attached to the aorta, the LVAD takes over the function of circulating blood that the heart can no longer perform. He initially received the first generation LVAD called the HeartMate I. Ten months later he would be upgraded to the newer model, the HeartMate II.

“When Gus began his journey with his LVAD, I knew that he was a remarkable person with a willingness to face challenges and adversity for the sake of his son and his future,” says Douglas Horstmanshof, M.D., the director of INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiac Care at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center.

“What we couldn’t know then is that we would be on a 14 year journey together, made possible by the very best technology that existed at that time in the HeartMate II LVAD. Gus truly became the definition of just how successful recipients of LVADs can be when they care for themselves well with the support of their families and our Advanced Cardiac Care team.”

Horstmanshof adds, “We continue to see remarkable success with our recipients who now get the next generation HeartMate 3 LVAD, building off of the contributions that Gus and others have made.”

The Detour

Harbert was originally not a heart transplant candidate because of his weight. His large 6’3’’ frame had a higher Body Mass Index, BMI, than allowed. He worked for several years to get his weight down, receiving a sleeve gastrectomy in 2016. Slowly but surely, the weight came off. After losing a significant 130 pounds, Gus reached the BMI needed to be placed on the transplant list.

The Destination

He moved to Oklahoma City from Tulsa to be closer to the INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, so he could get there quickly if and when a suitable heart became available. At 44 years old, he finally received a heart transplant.

“Gus is an incredible inspiration,” says James Long, M.D., Ph.D, co-founder of INTEGRIS Health Advanced Cardiac Care and a surgeon on all three of Gus’ surgeries, both LVADs and his heart transplant. “This is a powerful story of perseverance through adversity – enabled by all those who surrounded Gus with loving care, and the dedicated team providing the most advanced therapies for heart failure. What an honor it’s been for all of us who’ve been on this journey with Gus.”

David Vanhooser, M.D., was the primary surgeon during the transplant. “Gus’ transplant operation was as unique as his journey to get there, and I remember it well. Heart transplants are particularly special for cardiac surgeons, and despite having performed transplants for the past 30 years, it was still a surreal experience to remove the old diseased heart which had failed Gus, to remove the LVAD which had been keeping him alive, and to stare into his completely empty chest. His new heart was then removed from its suspended non beating state in the cold ice solution and we carefully and precisely reconnected the 2 main heart chambers and the two major blood vessels of this new heart into his body. We then allowed his warm oxygen filled blood to flow into the heart - waking it up from its suspended sleep. The team then watched closely as first one beat, then another, and another occurred, rejoicing as his new heart surged vigorously back to life. It was clear this new heart understood its mission and its destiny - beating again and again to join Gus on another beautiful life journey.”

“It’s been a long, hard road but it was definitely worth it,” claims Harbert. “I got to see my son grow up. He was my motivation. I got to see everything I wanted to witness. I just wanted to raise him - and I’m so very thankful I was able to do that.”

Gus’ son, Cameron, is now 17 years old and a senior in high school. “I prayed many nights for this moment to come. We grew up together struggling, but he never gave up on himself or me. I love him and I'm looking forward to this new journey.”

INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center is the only center in Oklahoma to offer a full spectrum of advanced cardiac care support to include ECMO, LVAD, total artificial heart and transplantation. We are the only health care system in the state that can offer Oklahomans all of these options.

INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center is one of seven INTEGRIS Health facilities to receive the 2023 distinction, specifically for ratings related to outpatient experience.

The Women's Choice Award is the only designation that takes into consideration the preferences of women when selecting a hospital. The honor is designed to help women feel confident in choosing the best care for themselves and their families.

Oklahomans who sign up for the Helpline's All Access plan get eight weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges, plus five quit coach calls if they register by Nov. 30.

“Tobacco users need critical support on their journey to quit, and the Great American Smokeout offers an opportunity to build a better, healthier life,” said Stephanie Pendergraft, TSET Healthy Living Program Coordinator serving Garfield County “Quitting can be hard, but support and a thoughtful quit plan increase the chances of success. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free resources and support to all Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco and take control of their health.”

The Helpline encourages Oklahomans to start small and finish big during the Great American Smokeout by acknowledging successes and tackling tobacco cravings head-on. The Helpline offers tips for beating cravings and getting ahead of stressors at OKhelpline.com.

In addition to tips and resources online, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free services, including text and email support and free patches, gum or lozenges. Additionally, Quit Coaches are available 24/7 to assist in creating a customized quit plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to quitting tobacco. However, the Helpline’s evaluation results show that those who work with a Quit Coach and use the full range of services available have the best chance of quitting.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. As of 2013, there were also 12.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

By quitting — even for one day — you will be taking an important step toward a healthier life — one that can lead to reducing your cancer risk. It’s a race for your health, and it starts today. Today’s the day that quitters win. Here is a 5-day plan from INTEGRIS Bass Tips for the Great American Smokeout.

5 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Think about your reasons for quitting.
• Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.
• Stop buying cigarettes.

4 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Pay attention to when and why you smoke.
• Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette.
• Think of habits or routines to change.

3 Days Before Your Quit Date

• What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes?
• Make a list of non-edible treats that you can give yourself starting the first day of not smoking.

2 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Contact family and friends who have quit smoking, let them know what you are going to do and ask them if you can call if you need support over the next few weeks.
• Make a list of their names and telephone numbers so that you can refer to it at any time.

1 Day Before Your Quit Date

• Put away lighters and ashtrays.
• Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.
• Smoke your last cigarette. Then, throw away all cigarettes and matches.

Quit Day

• Go to your favorite relaxing (acupuncture, massage) appointment in the morning.
• Keep very busy.
• Remind family and friends that this is your quit day.
• Stay away from alcohol.
• Give yourself a treat, or do something special.

The annual Turkey Toss, now in its seventh year in Enid, is an INTEGRIS Health system-wide effort to reward and show appreciation to caregivers and their families for Thanksgiving.

Frozen turkeys were provided for anybody who works at INTEGRIS Bass in any capacity. Each person was given a “turkey coupon” to exchange for a turkey.

Kerri Johnson, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center senior HR business partner, is the on-site coordinator for the event. “Our leaders come to hand out turkeys to our caregivers from sun up to sun down each year on Turkey Toss Day, regardless of weather. It’s a long day that is fun and rewarding. Our caregivers look forward to this day each year. It is a great way for us to show how thankful we are for each of them and for what they do for our patients every day.”

A total of 673 turkeys were given out, and an additional 75 birds will be donated, as some caregivers opted to give their turkeys to Loaves & Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma to help local families in need this holiday season.

INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center recently launched TeamBirth, a new initiative to enhance the birthing experience and improve outcomes for women giving birth and their babies. TeamBirth is a communication and teamwork process that can close gaps in communication.

“At INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, we want all birthing individuals and their support team to know their preferences for their birth experience are important to us by actively including them in decision making and the plan of care,” Denese Campbell, labor and delivery nurse manager, said. “We want all members of the team, including the patient and their support person(s) to feel empowered to speak up with questions or concerns.”

Campbell further explained, “We feel we already do a great job of this; however, TeamBirth offers formal tools to conceptualize a shared decision model to strengthen communication on all fronts.”

A central component of the TeamBirth model is a shared whiteboard located in all labor and delivery rooms to outline care plans and progress for the patient and the baby that serves as an ongoing shared reference for the team.

TeamBirth was developed by Ariadne Labs, which is a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. TeamBirth was designed around best practices in communication, teamwork and clinical care.

The TeamBirth model is now offered at several INTEGRIS Health hospitals across the state, including INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, INTEGRIS Health Edmond, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon and INTEGRIS Health Miami Hospital.

Ruby has been a Bass volunteer since 2018, and in that time has contributed nearly 2,500 hours and crocheted dozens of items for babies and cancer patients.

“We offer the afghans to all of our patients receiving treatment,” oncology nurse Sandy Gordon said. “The patients are always excited to receive the blankets, and it’s nice that we can offer them. It’s always a feel-good moment. They often comment about the beautiful colors and how warm and comforting it is to have the handmade blanket.”

Ruby resides at Golden Oaks Village in Enid and still lives independently. While her mobility is limited, she still gets around in her little red power chair. When Ruby is not busy crocheting, she enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends and reading.

According to Ruby’s daughter-in-law, Sherry Wilson, who is also a volunteer at Bass, Ruby finds great joy and pride in serving her community.

We are grateful for Ruby, Sherry and all of our incredible volunteers at INTEGRIS Bass, and we wish Ruby a very happy birthday!

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, visit www.integrisok.com/volunteer or call Amanda Jordan, volunteer services and gift shop manager, at 580-548-1113.

She will be honored during the fifth and final INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” of the 2022 OKC Dodgers baseball season Sat., August 27 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pre-game ceremony.

The diagnosis caught Brown, then 27, by surprise. “It was emotional,” she said. “I’d always been healthy prior.” She had no family history of cancer.

Colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, but the reason why remains a mystery, said Sumbal Nabi, M.D., with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Enid. “When someone is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, people automatically suspect genetics, but experts still haven’t been able to use genetics to explain the surge,” Nabi said.

Early detection is key and regular screenings are encouraged based on age and family history.

Brown was diagnosed and had surgery at INTEGRIS Heath Cancer Institute in Enid, then traveled to INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City every other week for treatment and chemotherapy.

Angered but determined, Brown put her head down and got to work. She enrolled in the nursing program at Northern Oklahoma College and attended classes between eight rounds of chemotherapy. She even carried her medicine pump with her around campus as she studied to become a registered nurse. She would attend classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and make trips to Oklahoma City for treatment Wednesdays and Fridays. “Going to school really helped me,” she said. “It gave me motivation to get out of bed.”

What made balancing class and treatment a bit easier for Brown was the care she received at INTEGRIS Health. “The staff was amazing,” she said. “There’s nowhere else I would’ve rather gone for my treatment.”

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Her life has changed drastically. Despite the initial setback and shock of the diagnosis, Brown is grateful for the experience as it led to her meeting her husband, Deven, on a dating app. “In weird ways, I’m very thankful for my cancer diagnosis,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

Brown graduated nursing school in May and is now a registered nurse. She said her experiences have aided her in empathizing with her patients. Brown is now cancer free and is expecting a baby.

The emergency department nurse chose May 14, 2022, as her final day for a reason. That was the exact date she graduated from nursing school at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1982.

The Hennessey native knew from a young age she wanted to be a nurse. “The only thing I ever wanted to do growing up was be a nurse,” Pamela said.

In the late 1970’s, Pamela got her first taste of working in the medical field as teen volunteer. “I was a candy-striper at Bass when I was in high school,” she said. “Then I attended Autry Vo-tech and got my CNA license. I worked in the urology department at Bass the summer after my senior year in high school.” It was there that Pamela met a nurse who encouraged her to continue in the profession.

After graduating nursing school, Pamela worked briefly at the hospital in Shattuck as a graduate nurse before moving to Midwest City, where she took a job in an emergency department.

In 1999, at age 39, Pamela made a major change and joined the Air National Guard as a flight nurse. Two years after she swore in, the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened, and she was deployed while working at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. In all, she served five tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I loved working as a flight nurse,” Pamela said of her experience. “The people we cared for were so appreciative. We worked alongside soldiers from other countries, and many of them were young. I was older, so they called me ‘mom’, which made me feel good. If my children were in the same position, I would want someone to look after them.”

Pamela retired from the military in 2010 and moved back to Hennessey to be closer to her aging parents. She came back to INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in 2016.

“Pamela was a pleasure to work with,” said Emergency Department Manager Jamie McAlister. “She took fellow caregivers under her wing and truly enjoyed assisting other nurses and sharing her knowledge and experiences. Anyone that crossed her path benefitted from knowing her.”

On her final day, Pamela wore her nursing whites and white hat. She came with photos and badges from her time in the military, as well as all of her nametags from past jobs.

In retirement, Pamela plans to spend time with her mother and sister, who is also retiring and moving back home to Hennessey, where she is building a house next to Pamela. She has a sewing cabin full of fabric, machines for sewing and monogramming, and she plans to spend much of her time there.

According to McAlister, Pamela’s retirement is bittersweet. “Not only is the department losing a great nurse, but also a great friend. We truly wish her the best as she transitions to a retirement full of hobbies and traveling.”

She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2006. After gaining many years of experience in various areas of nursing, Garinger earned a Master of Science specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been practicing family medicine in Enid for the last five years.

Garinger believes nursing is a spiritual calling. “It is not what I do, it is who I am,” she said. “In my role as a family nurse practitioner, I strive to provide good quality holistic care to each patient, considering their physical, emotional and cultural needs. It is as important to me to promote health and disease prevention as it is to treat illness, and I want patients to feel comforted, respected and confident in my ability.”

Her areas of interest include family care, pediatrics, geriatrics and holistic care. Garinger will begin seeing patients in early July. To schedule an appointment, call INTEGRIS Family Care Enid at 580-977-1910.

DeVaney began his tenure with INTEGRIS Health in 2015 as the administrative fellow. Following his fellowship, he served in various leadership positions at INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City before accepting his current role at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid in 2021.

“I am truly humbled by this award,” DeVaney said. “Even though I am accepting this honor, I give credit to everyone I have worked with during my time at INTEGRIS Health, as their success has helped build me up and guided the decisions I make every day.”

DeVaney is a graduate of Leadership South Oklahoma City and is currently a part of Leadership Greater Enid Class XXXI. He is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council at Autry Technology Center.

DeVaney holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University and a bachelors degree in accounting from Siena College.

This year’s honorees will be recognized in a celebration on Thursday, May 12, at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid may be one of many home health agencies in Enid, but, according to administrator, Gretchen Cinnamon, RN, it is the best. “I believe we have the best agency in Enid because we have the best caregivers,” Cinnamon says. “Our team of nurses, therapists and office staff are very passionate about what they do, and collectively they have decades of experience in home care.”

Many of those decades of experience are with INTEGRIS Home Care, as one nurse has been employed twenty years, while one of the office caregivers has worked for INTEGRIS for 40 years. Cinnamon herself has worked for INTEGRIS Home Care Enid for 21 years.

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid provides a variety of health care services for those who require professional health care skills in the home environment. “We begin our services upon referral with a home assessment,” Cinnamon explains. “We then create an individualized care plan based on the home assessment. That care plan includes what the patient will need in order to be cared for in his or her home, ranging from medical equipment needs to therapy needs.”

What many people may not realize about home care is that patients are taught, in large part, to care for themselves, or, if that is not possible, family members are taught to help care for the patient. “We spend a lot of our time educating family members how to support someone with a new diagnosis,” Cinnamon says. “Our caregivers are only with the patient at set times throughout the week, so it’s important that the patient and family members know how to operate home medical equipment and otherwise care for the patient.”

According to Cinnamon, it takes a special nurse with a unique set of skills to work in home care. “You need great problem-solving skills and you must be resourceful when the resources are limited,” she says. “You don’t have the conveniences available in a hospital – you’re working out of someone’s living room. Our nurses have worked in the field for many years, and that experience is invaluable.”

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid serves seven counties in north central Oklahoma, including Garfield, Kingfisher, Major, Woods, Alfalfa, Grant and Noble and is Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited. INTEGRIS Home Care Enid is the only home health agency in Enid that accepts pediatric referrals. For more information about INTEGRIS Home Care Enid, call 580-548-1116.

Sandy Schapansky, like thousands of other women diagnosed with breast cancer, never imagined she would be one of them.

A wife and mother of two grown daughters, Schapansky is like many women in their mid-50’s – enjoying an empty nest, watching grandchildren play sports and traveling as much as possible. She has a friendly, outgoing personality and beautiful smile. If you met Sandy on the street, you would never guess the hardships she has confronted over the past 12 months.

Schapansky’s story really begins 25 years ago, when she was just 30 years old. “I had just had a baby, and I discovered a lump in my right breast,” she said. “I had it checked out, and it turned out to be what is called macrocalcifications, which are small calcium deposits in the soft tissue of the breasts. These are usually noncancerous, although some patterns can be a sign of cancer.” Schapansky went on, “It looks kind of like glitter on a mammogram. It can be completely normal, but is something that can turn into cancer, so I began to get screened for breast cancer every one to two years.”

She continued her screenings throughout her 30’s and 40’s without incident. No new lumps. Nothing to be concerned about.

In late 2019, Schapansky, then age 55, was working for INTEGRIS Health ENT Jerome Dilling, M.D., as a medical assistant. “Things were very busy at work and busy in my personal life, and I felt like I didn’t have time to squeeze in my mammogram, so I put it off. I told myself I would do it after the beginning of the year, when things started to slow down.” Then COVID-19 hit, sending everything into a tailspin.

A few months later, in September 2020, Schapansky felt an unusual lump in her left breast, which she thought to be somewhat odd, because her right breast was the one with the microcalcifications and the one she always kept a close eye on. She immediately scheduled a mammogram.

An hour after the appointment, the clinic called and asked her to come back in for additional views and an ultrasound of her left breast. While she was there, they also scanned her underarm, which Schapansky knew was not a good sign. They told her at that time the abnormality that was found appeared to be cancerous.

The next step was to undergo a guided biopsy. The results came back confirming that she in fact did have cancer - invasive ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type of breast cancer, representing about 80 percent of breast cancer cases.

An MRI further confirmed that the cancer had spread to Schapansky’s lymph nodes, meaning that her cancer was designated as stage three.

Schapansky said she felt more comfortable with a female surgeon and chose INTEGRIS Health’s Stephanie Taylor, M.D., located in Yukon, to perform a lumpectomy and remove two lymph nodes to which the cancer had spread.

Following her surgery, Schapansky began chemotherapy treatment with Sumbal Nabi, M.D., and her team at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Enid in December 2020. “They are the kindest, best support system you could ever imagine,” she said. “When you’re scared to death of the unknown, they put you at ease.”

Schapansky continued on about her experience, “Throughout the process I was sick, I cried, and I asked if I was going to lose my hair. Dr. Nabi told me I would. That first day of chemo was the hardest, most emotional day I have faced. I got really sick. The thing that got me through is knowing the hurt others have faced, like losing a child. Chemo was bad, but I know there are worse things that I could have faced.”

In April of this year Shapansky finished her treatments and went back to work. Dilling retired, so she ended up working with OB/GYNs Michael S. Jackson, M.D. and Andrea Partida, D.O., at INTEGRIS Women’s Health Enid. “I feel like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Schapansky said of her new role. “I feel like God put me here for a reason, and I’m really enjoying it.”

Two weeks after her chemo treatments ended, Schapansky began taking radiation therapy each day after work at the INTEGRIS Bass Radiation Oncology Clinic, completing 33 treatments. “It was scary to get started, just like chemo, but the girls in the clinic really helped make me feel comfortable and at ease. Their care and compassion made such a big difference for me.”

It’s been a long year for Schapanksy, and this month she will go for her final CAT scan to see if she is now cancer-free, although her tumor markers indicate that she is.

After her experience, Schapansky’s message to other women is simple. “Know your breasts. If you are familiar with them, then you will be more likely to recognize changes if they do happen. Be proactive.”

She emphasizes that communication with your physician is important as well. “If you think something might be amiss, call your doctor. Phone calls are free,” she said with a smile.

And, of course, she wants to encourage women who are the appropriate age to get those mammograms and not put them off. Don’t skip them. “Had I not waited and put my mammogram off, I feel like I probably would have caught my cancer sooner, before it had moved into my lymph nodes,” she said.

Sandy has inspired her sister and both daughters to become more proactive in their own breast health with mammograms and self-exams, something that she feels good about.

“I never dreamed I’d have breast cancer. It came out of nowhere,” Schapansky said. “But today, I am 56 years old and looking forward to the future. I can’t live in fear.”

Darrell was born cognitively disabled and has worked in the dietary department as a dishwasher at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid for almost 24 years.

While discussing ideas to boost team morale during a recent team huddle meeting, Darrell suggested he dress as Superman on occasion while working in the kitchen to make everyone smile and remind caregivers they are superheroes.

Bethany loved the idea and took it one step further. She planned a “secret identity day” where the staff wore superhero t-shirts under their scrubs on the same day Darrell dressed up as Superman. When they all unveiled their hidden identities to him, he was beyond thrilled.

Nowadays, the team never knows when Superman will arrive at work for the day.

“He loves Superman, and it brings us so much joy when he wears his costume. He truly is the sweetest, purest soul,” says Bethany.

Darrell’s super powers are kindness, compassion and a positive attitude. We think he is the closest thing to a true superhero that really exists.

The agreement will expand upon the existing cardiology services provided by Douglas Brown, M.D., and Matthew Thoms, PA-C, by bringing cardiologists from Oklahoma City-based INTEGRIS Heart Hospital to continue our mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives.

The expanded cardiology clinic will help keep business in the Enid community while offering residents access to the most comprehensive cardiology program in the state - INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, which is based at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center. The program will not only offer additional cardiology providers but will also include an outpatient clinic with a cardiac electrophysiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon.

“With heart disease so prevalent in Oklahoma, the ability to grow the cardiology presence in Northwest Oklahoma provides greater access to cardiology care needed by so many,” said Mel Clark, M.D., cardiologist and president of INTEGRIS Cardiovascular Physicians. “INTEGRIS Bass Baptist has had a strong cardiology program for years, and we are excited to grow with them.”

The additional physicians serving the Enid and Northwest Oklahoma community include cardiologists: Adam Burroughs, M.D.; George Chrysant, M.D.; Jered Cook, M.D.; Terrie Gibson, M.D.; Sean Halleran, M.D.; Ryan Norris, D.O.; Alex Topliceanu, M.D.; Gary Worcester, M.D; and cardiothoracic surgeon, David Vanhooser, M.D.

“INTEGRIS Heart Hospital is a well-respected, trusted program with a group of cardiologists and surgeons who have served the state of Oklahoma for many years,” said Sarah Matousek, M.D., medical staff president of INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center. “We are excited to expand our cardiology program through this partnership.”

The clinic is located at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Northwest Oklahoma, 707 S. Monroe in Enid. To schedule an appointment, please call 580-616-6324.