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 Karnell family helped bring this vision to life. Their efforts contributed to the establishment of the Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program, 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.