Whitney Pritham, MA, APRN, FNP-BC

When I tell people what I do for work, caring for cancer patients and working in oncology, their response is often a deep exhale followed by something like, “that must be so depressing. I could never do that!” And while maybe that response is true and real to them, it is really just the opposite for me. Yes, working at a cancer center can be depressing, it is not for everyone, and it is often quite hard. But there are moments of goodness - deep human goodness - that outweigh all the difficult parts of cancer care for me.

No doubt cancer sucks and my heart is broken by cancer all the time. The goodness I’m talking about and what keeps me in cancer care - are the “real human moments,” as I call them. Real human moments that include the rawness of life, the vulnerability of being ill, the chats to help with bowel function, the glory in a final treatment, and the kindness shown even when someone feels at their absolute worst. These moments are sacred - they are the wise lessons teaching me to be better and to do better wherever I can.

One of the resounding lessons I’ve learned from cancer patients is that we all need somebody. Sickness or health. Thick or thin. The world is too big to navigate alone and there is no time when this is more true than when you are sick. Most people only have a vague notion that someday they may get ill and may not be able to drive themselves home from the hospital. It is easy to pass through this morbid, nebulous feeling and imagine ourselves healthy till we are 90 and dying in our sleep. But in cancer care we know that isn’t always the case. I’m reminded to keep up my connections. Call my family. Go to lunch with friends. Show up for others. Ask for help. Forgive the people who have wronged me and seek out the people who have my back. Most of us can’t make it in this world alone.

“Although cancer can feel lonely, you aren’t alone. I have a passion for helping people navigate through the increasingly complicated world of cancer treatment. I want to help connect the dots and ease the process. This is how Field Guides to Cancer Care was born. It is an honor to be a part of this journey with you.” - Whitney

“A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” - Lao Tzu

Kari Marley MHS, PAC

My career in medicine started in the emergency department.  I worked trauma surgery and emergency medicine for more than 10 years before transitioning to oncology.  Transitioning to caring for patients in my community cancer center allowed me to meet and connect with some many amazing, strong, and brave patients.  I feel fortunate to be able to help patients and their families, often times in their most vulnerable state.  

Working with cancer patients lead me to take a hard look at how I was living and what my risk factors might be for illness and cancer. My family and I transitioned to a plant based diet, I eliminated harsh chemicals from our home and took a hard look at what chemicals we were putting in and on our bodies. This lead to my new found interest in nutrition and the desire to learn all I can about whole foods and how they can benefit our bodies. How diet can contribute to healing our bodies and preventing disease. I want to help people understand what healthy looks like and how to improve their health with nutrition. 

My work in the cancer center also lead me to the study of cancer genetics.  It is interesting looking at both nutrition and genetics, and how they can both affect the body so distinctly from different angles, and yet have such an impact on our health. We are born the genetics we are given but we can influence our genes and our health by the foods we expose our bodies to. I am passionate about how our genetics play a role in our risk factors and how preventative medicine could incorporate our genetics into a health plan that is tailored for each individual. 

As an advanced practitioner, I went into medicine to help people.  My path has lead me down this new road to try and help as many people as possible - with cancer care, genetics and nutrition. My goal is to empower individuals to seek out more answers, to find what works for them, and to look at health in a new way. 

A few fun facts about me:

• I am married with two beautiful daughters

• I am an endurance athlete

• I love running mountains

• I am an animal lover