More than 18 million people in the United States today have faced cancer and have emerged as survivors. National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Throughout the month of June, we are featuring stories from Aultman Cancer Center patients in honor of cancer survivors everywhere.

Shari Bell has a solid support system, with a foundation of relationships established decades ago. It’s made up of family members, friends and neighbors. And as a cancer survivor for 22 years, Shari’s support system also includes her trusted care team at the Aultman Cancer Center.

Shari moved back to her home state of Ohio in the mid-1970s to raise her three children. In 2002, after years of steady health, Shari experienced puzzling health symptoms. After several specialist visits, an X-ray of her back revealed that her fourth and fifth vertebrae were deteriorating. After undergoing back surgery, Shari was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer of the plasma cells in her bone marrow.

While recovering from surgery, Shari was surrounded by her loved ones and became established with Raza Khan. M.D., of Aultman Hematology and Oncology. Shari clearly remembers her first encounter with Dr. Khan. “He introduced himself, shook my hand and asked me how I felt,” Shari said. “He talked to me like he would talk to a friend.”

Throughout Shari’s cancer journey, Dr. Khan displayed kindness and a dedication to all areas of her care. “Dr. Khan would refer me to other doctors,” Shari said. “He always picked out doctors who cared about me.”

Shari feels grateful for the trust she’s developed with her care team over the last two decades. Along with Dr. Khan, Sally Yoos, an RN care coordinator at Aultman’s Cancer Center, has worked with Shari since the onset of her treatment. When Shari visits the Cancer Center, the two swap stories about their families and the ways their loved ones have grown over the last 22 years. “Sally always hooked me up to my chemo port and respected me,” Shari said. “She’s still here providing care, and she is called to do this work.”

As of spring 2024, Shari is in remission from her cancer. She visits the Cancer Center every six months for routine visits with Dr. Khan. Shari’s days are filled with reading, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Surrounded by her strong support system, Shari feels grateful and ready to tackle what lies ahead.

That gratitude and confidence extend to her “family” at the Aultman Cancer Center. “That first visit Dr. Khan said, ‘I’m going to take care of you,’” Shari recalled. “Twenty-two years later, he and Sally keep taking care of me.”

To support cancer patients in their treatment journey, consider a gift to Aultman’s CancerCare Fund. This fund assists patients with expenses such as transportation, groceries, prescription assistance and medical supplies. One hundred percent of donations to the CancerCare Fund go directly to cancer patients, to alleviate the burden of other costs often incurred during treatment.