Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program
Compassionate support for cancer patients and families
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. Patients and family members typically have many questions and concerns about the disease and the care that comes with it. The Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program at Pennsylvania Hospital helps you and your family cope with the physical and emotional distress caused by cancer diagnosis and treatment.
We believe that the right support is the essence of compassionate cancer care. Supportive care comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to match your needs and concerns as you work to combat cancer. The less distress you have, the more energy you can direct toward recovery.
An interdisciplinary team to support your needs
Comprehensive supportive care services require the expertise of an interdisciplinary team in order to adequately assess and treat the complex needs of cancer patients and their families. Our team includes professionals from medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, nutrition, massage therapy, art therapy, pastoral care and other professional disciplines.
We have many supportive care services and programs, which are available to all patients from the point of diagnosis. These include:
About Joan Karnell
Joan Karnell was known for her warmth, humility, and deep care for others. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the early 1980s, she faced her illness with strength and empathy, while also recognizing how isolating the experience could be for patients and their families. At the time, support beyond medical treatment was limited, reinforcing her belief, shared with her husband, Robert (Bob) Karnell—that cancer care should address the whole person, not just the disease. Together, they became dedicated advocates for a more compassionate, connected approach to care at Pennsylvania Hospital, one that acknowledged the full human experience of cancer.
Through sustained involvement, philanthropy, and close collaboration with clinicians and hospital leadership, the Karnells helped bring this vision to life. Their efforts contributed to the establishment of the Joan Karnell Cancer Center, now recognized as the Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program at Pennsylvania Hospital, where treatment and supportive services were brought together to better serve patients and families. Bob Karnell continued this work for decades, ensuring that supportive care remained a central priority as the health system evolved. His enduring commitment reinforced a lasting legacy: that emotional, psychological, and spiritual support are essential components of effective cancer care.
Patient stories
A senior survivor of uterine cancer at 87
"I felt I was in exceptional hands,” said Mimi Reed. Diagnosed with uterine cancer at 86, Reed found care personalized to her goal of maintaining her independence through specialized geriatric oncology care at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.
Creating beauty out of a breast cancer journey
“Cancer isn’t just physically grueling. It mentally and emotionally tears you down,” Ginger Mimmo Rohlfing said of her experience navigating HER2-positive breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery. Her paintings of leaf and petal patterns “were a metaphor for putting pieces of myself back together.”
First-ever CAR T cell patient who lived beyond hope
“I’m looking for [extending life by] a day, a week, or a month, and here they are telling me I don't have cancer,” said Bill Ludwig, years later. “It was just like someone told you, ‘You won the lottery.’”
A diagnosis that ripples through the family
“It’s harder to find out your sister has cancer and a BRCA mutation than to find out for yourself,” said Laura Temple. Testing and treatment have made all the difference for the three BRCA-positive sisters who are now breast cancer survivors. They are grateful for Susan Domchek, MD, answering questions about research that could benefit their children.
Ringing the bell for continued hope
For Cynthia Olds, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis was scary, but she still had hope. Thanks to more inclusive practices, she can ring a bell for milestones such as completing each round of chemotherapy. “It marks the end of a miserable time and serves as an emotional release to ring the bell, as well as a relief.”
Living and giving back for gynecologic cancer patients
Dalia Jakas wanted to live in spite of a uterine cancer recurrence in her 80s, but she wouldn’t accept any compromises on the quality of her life. After her proton therapy treatment, Jakas is now giving back by funding research to help other patients. “I am eternally grateful to Dr. Taunk and his competent team for saving my life,” she said.
From survivor to inspiring others to exercise
Doris Piccinin uses her own firsthand experience as a breast cancer survivors to help other survivors. “I’m excited to see a lightbulb go on for people when they realize that not all physical activity is the same, and to see them recognize and understand the questions to ask when they’re having limitations. That’s where I gain my inspiration.”
A mom-inspired clinical trial journey to help others
“I wanted to participate in a clinical trial because I was inspired by my mom,” Kate Korson said. “I saw how brave she was and the success she had on a clinical trial. I felt like I received the best possible care by taking part in a clinical trial, and it feels good to know that I’m helping others by contributing to cancer research.”
From patient to advocate, battling breast cancer and disparities
With her metastatic breast cancer under control, Jamil Rivers is looking out for other Black women. “We’re trying to help them understand what to anticipate, what questions to ask, and how to be advocates for themselves.”
Stronger than fear
“I remember what another cancer survivor told me after my diagnosis: You’re stronger than you think,” Becky Yu said. “It stuck with me and gave me confidence to believe in myself. The fear of ‘is it coming back?’ is still there at the back of my head, but I keep moving forward.”