Jim and Jeannie Cronin enjoy country living. That’s why they moved to Paradise, Calif., to raise their family. Four children, seven grandchildren and 25 years later, the Cronin’s still enjoy the lofty pines and the fresh mountain air that the Northern California area boasts.
A Devastating Diagnosis
Throughout their lives, the Cronin’s also have enjoyed excellent health. So when Jeannie began experiencing pain in early 2003, they initially thought nothing of it. However, her symptoms persisted, and Jim urged her to go to the doctor. The outcome was stunning. On Dec. 18, 2003, Jeannie was diagnosed with cancer and was immediately sent to the University of California Davis for treatment.
“We were shocked,” recalled Jim. “I guess we just didn’t think something like this could happen to us.”
When Jeannie’s cancer was diagnosed, it was categorized as stage three. Doctors at UC Davis wanted to operate immediately to remove the tumor. The thought of surgery was daunting to the Cronin’s, and Jeannie would have to travel to Sacramento—a four-hour round trip—to undergo radiation and chemotherapy.
“We really didn’t know what to do,” said Jim. “Then one day I was driving and saw a billboard for Feather River Hospital’s (FRH) Cancer Center. It read ‘Help and Hope Close to Home’ and, indeed, the center is just a mile from our driveway!”
Local Treatment Does Good
FRH’s Cancer Center, which opened in early 2003, is affiliated with Loma Linda University Medical Center. The 10,000 square foot facility includes a hematology/oncology suite and state-of-the-art radiation therapy with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy capabilities. It also is staffed with highly qualified physicians, including Jen Freeman, M.D. and Thomas Hegarty, M.D.
The Cronin’s remember meeting with Hegarty and having him tell them that they could get through this, but that it would be a lot of work. They were very hopeful with the treatment options he discussed with them and pleased that Jeannie could be cared for locally.
For months, Jeanie underwent radiation and chemotherapy at FRH’s Cancer Center. During her treatment, the Cronin’s became friends with the staff, nurses and doctors at the center.
“The relationships we established with the staff at the Cancer Center eased the pain of the process,” stated Jeannie. “They really did become like family to us, and their caring and compassion throughout my illness was just amazing.” In particular, Jeannie grew close to Susan Ault, RN, who never let Jeannie give up even during the toughest parts of her battle with the disease.
A New Lease on Life
In June 2004, Hegarty had some very good news for the Cronin’s: Jeannie’s cancer had responded completely to therapy. In August, four months after completion of treatment, she still had no evidence of the disease. A follow-up appointment with doctors at UC Davis confirmed the good news.
“The doctor we met with at UC Davis was so amazed by Jeannie’s treatment outcome that he told us he would start referring Paradise-area residents to FRH’s Cancer Center,” said Jim. “Jeannie and I have also referred many people to the center because of the wonderful care she received there.”
When Christmas rolls around this year, it will be a lot more festive for the Cronin’s, and they will have much to celebrate. According to Jim, Jeannie feels like she has a new lease on life thanks to FRH’s Cancer Center and Hegarty's care. “We know that FRH is a faith-based facility,” said Jim. “The care we received there was definitely reflective of that. At the Cancer Center, Jeannie was a name, not just a number, and the staff demonstrated such caring and compassion. They definitely live their mission.”
