Type: Patient Story

Having a healing atmosphere and caring staff set the Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center apart, according to Alexandra Mastriana-Solal, a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and longtime Vail resident.

JoDee Johnson was not accustomed to asking for help. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she learned that everyone needs a support system, regardless of their strength. Following an extraordinary career as an Intelligence Officer in the Air Force and later an Operations Manager for BP in Alaska, JoDee recently retired. She and her … Continued

A Couple's Story Svein Rognerud’s hands glide along his piano keys on a wintry afternoon in Breckenridge, Colorado. Beth, Svein’s wife, leans against the piano as she listens to his music. The large, west-facing windows of their home shed soft light on the couple during this sweet serenade, while the shimmering snowflakes outside seem to … Continued

Finding Strength in the Outdoors There’s a path near Carol Schimmer’s home in Avon, Colorado that runs along the Eagle River. When snow piles up in the winter, Carol puts on her snowshoes and packs down the trail, step by step. It’s a tiring task, especially on days when she’s feeling fatigued from fighting cancer. … Continued

Two Troubling Discoveries In January of 2020, get-well cards lined a full wall of windowsills in Cheryl and John Wells’ Leadville home. The early afternoon sun shed light on a sunroom filled with vibrant green plants and family photos of world travels and local adventures. As they shared their story, Cheryl and John sat alongside … Continued