Alan Temkin & Sam Grant of SeaCare Health with Corrina, Claudia, & David
Healing ResourcesThe Importance of Balance
Our experience has taught us that while conventional medicine is indispensable for its immediate, life-saving interventions in critical situations, integrative medicine is crucial for enhancing quality of life and promoting long-term wellness.
Together, they form a comprehensive approach to health, which you will find reflected in the resources we utilized throughout Corrina's path to recovery. This balanced approach encompasses a broad spectrum of wellness techniques, each integral for the role they play.
Healing Resources
Medical Treatments
Neuro-Oncologist
Dr. James Vredenburgh
"Dr. V" as he is affectionately known was Corrina's primary neuo-oncologist overseeing her treatment at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. After being dismissed by a number of other medical professinals, we were lucky enough to find a doctor who believed in Corrina's ability to survive. Dr. V gave us the hope and guidance we needed based on his extensive experience and yet he, himself, was also open to remaining surprised.
NEURO SURGEON
Bruce Chozick, MD
Dr. Chozick was the surgeon who performed Corrina's emergency craniotomy at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford following the infection Corrina recevied from the initial biopsy performed at UCONN. His rapid intervention saved Corrina's life.
Miraculously, Dr. Chozick himself is a brain tumor survivor.
CRANIOPLASTY
Yale Medicine
The Yale Plastic Surgery team was instrumental in Corrina's treatment, uniquely willing to undertake complex cranialplasty when other surgeons were not. Led by Dr. Derek Steinbacher, they performed multiple essential surgeries to repair Corrina's cranial wounds, significantly improving her medical outcomes and quality of life. Their expertise and willingness to address challenging cases highlight their crucial role as a specialized resource for patients needing advanced surgical care.
Rehabilitation Therapies
PHYSIATRIST
David A. Feingold
Dr. Feingold has been a cornerstone of Corrina's medical team, providing specialized care for her right arm paralysis. Known for his expertise in neuromuscular medicine, he regularly administers Botox injections to alleviate muscle constriction, significantly improving Corrina's mobility and quality of life. His consistent support and innovative treatment approaches have been vital in managing the physical complications associated with Corrina's condition.
FITNESS & WELLNESS
Bud Gouveia ATC,LAT,CSCS
Bud Gouveia, renowned for his role in fitness and wellness at Mount Sinai, brought innovative rehabilitation techniques to Corrina's care regimen. Specializing in adaptive physical therapy, Bud introduced unique exercises, including walking sideways on a plank and aquatic therapy, to enhance Corrina's strength and mobility. His creative approach to physical therapy, combined with his expertise in sports training, provided Corrina with the tools needed for a dynamic and effective recovery process.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Amy Pace
Amy Pace, an occupational therapist from Hartford Healthcare, was instrumental in enhancing Corrina's mobility and daily functionality through dedicated outpatient sessions over several years. Amy played a crucial role in helping Corrina identify goals to strive towards, believing she could resume a quality of life that seemed out of reach, such as riding a bike or driving a car.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Megan Brennick, MS OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Megan Pollack, an occupational therapist, provided essential support to Corrina through weekly sessions focused on strengthening exercises for her arms and legs. Her therapy not only helped improve Corrina's physical capabilities but also offered wonderful social interaction during challenging times. Megan's dedication and customized care played a significant role in maintaining Corrina's functionality and overall well-being.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Dianne Lester
Dianne Lester, a seasoned speech therapist, played a pivotal role in Corrina's cognitive rehabilitation. Specializing in speech recovery techniques for stroke victims, Dianne provided Corrina with tailored exercises, including brain games, reading tests, and diction exercises. Corrina continues to benefit from these activities to this day, underscoring the lasting impact of Dianne's therapy in enhancing her communication skills and cognitive function.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
NATUROPATHY & ACCUPUNCTURE
Dr. Kara Burkhart N.D. L.Ac, ABORM
Kara has been Corrina's naturopath & accupuncturist for many years. When Corrina began noticing the imbalance in her body (which would later be confirmed as the result of GBM), Kara administed bloodwork which appeared normal and, finally, a neural exam which Corrina failed. Kara's perseverance to find an answer ultimately led to her insisting we head to the ER on September 18, 2018.
Kara has continued to support Corrina with bi-weekly acupuncture treatments, managing her symptoms throughout her initial chemotherapy treatments to this very day.
NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY
Dr. Melissa Coats
When Corrina was going through chemo & radiation, Dr. Coats prescribed a regime of supplements, vitamin C infusions, and diet recommendations to balance out the aggressive effects of the drugs.
OSTEOPATHY
Anthony Maietta, MSPT
Anthony has been a key figure in Corrina's care since 2020, providing bi-weekly cranial-sacral therapy and specialized arm stretches. Known for his expertise in muscular tension relief, Anthony's therapeutic approach helps Corrina maintain her well-being and manage the physical challenges of her condition.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Debra “DJ” Horn, LPC, PT, LMT CST
Corrina met DJ through a restorative workshop they collaborated on at West Hartford Yoga. DJ offered invaluable cranial-sacral therapy to Corrina graciously at our home for two years, significantly enhancing her quality of life and helping to manage her condition.
PSYCHIATRIST
Evan Fox, MD
Dr. Evan Fox specializes in psychiatric care for oncology patients, focusing exclusively on the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients. He provided critical support to Corrina in helping her see herself beyond her illness, encouraging her to recognize that, despite change, she will always be a teacher. Dr. Fox's care ultimately led to Corrina exploring chair yoga to maintain her connection to her yoga practice.
Wellness and Supportive Care
THERAPEUTIC YOGA
Cheri Clampett, C-IAYT, ERYT-500
Cheri was Corrina's teacher in restorative yoga. Her work has always been dedicated to the healing aspects of Yoga. Cheri’s recorded meditation “Preparing for Surgery” was a constant source of comfort for so many moments throughout Corrina’s entire journey. Corrina was religious about listening to it before every surgery she underwent.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Marcia Vallier, L.M.T.
Marcia and Corrina co-led the 40-day Re-Start program. Marcia provided weekly massage therapy to Corrina. Her efforts are especially focused on promoting relaxation and facilitating physical recovery through therapeutic touch.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Carissa Spada
Carissa, a yoga teacher and former colleague of Corrina, has been pivotal in providing physical and massage therapy, focusing on stretching and strengthening Corrina’s arm. Her sessions help maintain Corrina’s functional abilities and overall physical health.
YOGA & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Susan Frassinelli
Susan, an accomplished physical therapist and yoga teacher at West Hartford Yoga, has been instrumental in Corrina’s rehabilitation, visiting twice a week for three years. Her innovative movement programming has helped Corrina maintain mobility and strength, particularly valuable as Corrina learned to manage her right side mobility issues.
YOGA & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Tony Aniello
Tony played a pivotal role by referring Corrina to Dr. Feingold, which was instrumental for her ongoing treatment. His insight into Corrina's needs and his actions to connect her with appropriate medical care have been invaluable.
CYCLING
Joseph Grabicki, PT
Joseph Grabicki, a dedicated physical therapist, significantly contributed to Corrina's rehabilitation efforts, particularly in helping her regain her ability to bike. He played a crucial role in helping Corrina identify, then secure a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation which provided essential financial aid for ongoing therapy and rehabilitation. Leveraging his expertise as an avid cyclist, Joseph devised custom therapy plans that enabled Corrina to overcome her physical limitations and return to cycling, an activity she loves. His innovative approach and personalized care have been crucial in enhancing Corrina's mobility and quality of life.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
State of Connecticut
During Corrina's chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program provided essential support to manage side effects and improve her quality of life. The program was instrumental in enhancing appetite and managing pain, contributing to Corrina's overall well-being and comfort during intensive treatment phases.