In 1997, Leonard and the late Madlyn Abramson established the Abramson Cancer Center with a $100 million gift to recruit not only top scientists and clinicians, but also social workers, psychiatrists, and nutritionists. Madlyn's vision of holistic, whole person care was a founding principle that continues to guide the cancer center's mission. Her legacy also lives on through a dedicated community committed to supporting comprehensive cancer care that treats not only the cancer itself, but also the individual and their unique holistic needs.
Cancer treatment should never be one-size-fits-all, and even with immense innovation in medical care, treatment requires a whole person approach for each patient. It is also becoming essential to address the psychosocial needs of family and loved ones and support their preparedness for the complexities of caregiving as cancer treatment increasingly moves into the outpatient setting. That is why Penn Medicine offers a growing suite of supportive services, including mental health support, spiritual care, fertility preservation, social work, and palliative care. These resources help patients and their loved ones manage the often-overlooked challenges of a cancer diagnosis, from emotional distress to financial strain.
