Turning Point Participant Gives Back

Marc Slotnick has been waging a battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia for 18 years.

His journey began with a diagnosis in Naples, Florida, in 2006. Over the following years he received treatment in Naples and Houston. About 7 years ago he moved to Kansas City to be closer to family and to have a support system for his wife, Crystal.

Marc says he has been very happy with the care he has received at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. However, for him the most impactful thing about moving back to Kansas City was finding Turning Point.

Turning Point, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is a center to where people meet, listen, share, learn and encourage. Their research-based programs foster practical skills that increase resilience. Turning Point programs are free and address the emotional, social and psychological challenges that come along with a serious or chronic illness.

“Turning Point has given me spiritual, mental and physical peace of mind,” Marc says. “It has been a life saver for me, and I highly recommend Turning Point every chance I get.”

Marc participates in 3 different meditation groups each week at Turning Point as well as 1 cancer support group, led by Turning Point founder Moira Mulhern, PhD. He has also funneled his passion into action as a Turning Point volunteer and formed a blood cancer group in conjunction with KU Cancer Center hematologist Marc Hoffmann, MD, who specializes in blood cancers, and retired oncologist Amy Rabe, MD.

“We meet once per month,” Marc says. “There was no such group in Kansas City 7 years ago. I just feel it’s important to connect with people, like me, who have been going through cancer.”

“Because of Marc’s many years living with cancer, he is a tremendous support and resource for others who are learning to navigate their way through a cancer diagnosis and treatment,” says Mulhern.

Marc says it was important to him to create a group specifically for those with blood cancers as their cancer experiences are different than those with other types of cancer. The group even has members outside from all over the country joining by video conference.

Marc created the group to help other people going through cancer. “The journey is long,” he says. “I have 18 years of experience. You try to make them comfortable, and I tell them they can call me. A lot of them do! They just want to talk. It’s a tough experience to go through alone.”

Turning Point has been a constant in Marc’s life as he not only goes through cancer treatment but also through cardiac surgery at The University of Kansas Health System. Beyond meditation and cancer support, Turning Point offers programs to support many chronic illnesses, such as cardiac support groups, healthy cooking classes, physical movement groups and more.

“The staff at Turning Point is second to none and should be honored for their dedication and the new programs they produce every 2 months,” Marc says. “I don’t know of other places that have the ongoing programs that we offer here. Turning Point is a Godsend to the whole Midwest.”