TESTIMONIALS
About Ken Schueler's Services as a Patient Advocate
The following patients and patient families commented on Ken Schueler's invaluable help as their Patient Advocate. These testimonials were sent directly by patient families to Trisha Torrey of AdvoConnection who verified their authenticity and posted them publicly (see Ken's Profile at http://www.advoconnection.com ):
While on a scuba-diving trip to Costa Rica my sister was diagnosed with a Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumor. After undergoing surgery there, we contacted Ken Schueler to help us find the best specialists for this most deadly cancer. We found Ken to be both medically brilliant and emotionally supportive. Ken procured the slides of Kerstin's tumor and had them sent to centers of drug trials. He accompanied us to three top neuro-oncologists in New York, asking the relevant questions and offering insights into the newest therapies and generally navigating the medical system for us. After radiation and chemotherapy Ken found Kerstin's exact cell type was being treated at Duke Cancer Center with a new vaccine. He was able to get her into this program and she received her ongoing treatment there. Throughout, Ken was in communication with Kerstin as her advocate and emotional support; with her doctors; as well as providing us with his medical expertise and counsel. My sister told me many times how important Ken was to her and how she always felt better after they emailed or spoke so I know that her relationship with him was invaluable and unique. I cannot recommend Ken Schueler highly enough to anyone fortunate enough to work with him.
Karen
New York, NY
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In 2004, my wife was diagnosed with a neck tumor on one of her cranial nerves. Conventional surgical treatment would have permanently affected her quality of life with the loss of speech and ability to swallow foods. I was determined to see if there was another approach and started a quest to find answers. I had the great fortune to discover Ken during this scary and confusing time. Ken became our guiding light - with his deep compassion and caring and his amazing medical knowledge and connections we were able to consider all cutting edge medical treatments. He guided us through the maze with great skill and understanding and we eventually decided on a special type of radiation treatment - proton beam radiation which destroyed the tumor but allowed my wife to maintain her quality of life. I asked Ken so many questions and he had such patience. I have since and without hesitation either used or recommended Ken for friends and other family members. I have great respect for Ken and put my trust in him for any serious medical problem I would personally face. The world needs more Ken Schuelers! Stan
Philadelphia, PA
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Ken is a highly skilled patient advocate, who is passionate about his work and dedicated to the clients he serves. I couldn't have withstood the horror of coping with my husband's incurable brain tumor (GBM)without Ken. For over 1 1/2 years Ken stood by us and guided me and my husband in seeking treatments and novel therapies. He spent time educating us about the disease, sent us detailed research articles, discussed the pros and cons of each, and accompanied us to doctors' appointments. Thoroughly prepared with questions in hand, Ken spoke confidently with medical professionals, earning their respect, and helping to ease the often tense patient-doctor relationship. I would highly recommend Ken Schueler to those faced with similar circumstances. He gave me and my husband greater confidence in dealing with the medical establishment and in gaining some sense of control over an uncontrollable disease. His warmth, sense of humor, and empathy with the patient during our many dark days and nights were no less amazing. We were truly fortunate to have Ken in our corner. Astrid
New York, NY
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We began working with Ken Schueler when my mother was diagnosed with recurrent endometrial cancer. Very little research was available, and there was no prescribed roadmap for treatment. Overwhelmed with this lack of information coupled with my mom's desire to be proactive, we contacted Ken to help us sort through the maze of potential treatment options. Ken is an amazing and unique person, blending the clinical skills of a scientist with the bedside manner of a close friend. I recall how he was able to comfort my mom with his command of the most up to date research, his sensitive manner of discussing her diagnosis, and his understanding of her desire to be in control of her treatment. Working with Ken was a collaboration, a unique journey that inspired us and brought our family together with the goal of knowledge and acceptance. I don't know what we would have done without Ken's warmth, perspective, and guidance through this most difficult journey. Our relationship continues after my mom's passing, and his work inspired us to establish a research foundation for endometrial cancer.Joanne
New York, NY
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When my partner was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer a friend introduced me to Ken and we brought him on board immediately. He was able to make an extremely daunting and overwhelming situation much more manageable and became an invaluable part of our team throughout his fight. Even though my partner passed away I could not have gotten through it without Ken's help and guidance. He is an extraordinary gift and extremely knowledgeable and caring. I could not recommend him enough. Terrence
New York, NY
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Ken Schueler has been helping my family navigate the complicated and sometimes bewildering journey from diagnosis through treatment of both life threatening and chronically complex medical issues since 2001. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, savvy, and extremely patient with family anxieties that are part of the American health care experience. I trust Ken with my family's life as well as my own. With Ken's help, I have been able to find the best specialists, ask them probing questions, and feel confident that I have been sent in the right direction for the best treatment available. I have had the pleasure to refer many of my friends to Ken and all agree that he is a beacon of light during a sometimes dark journey. Steven
Northbrook, IL
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Following a diagnosis of Stage 1 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I was given an excellent prognosis and asked to return for 6-month follow-ups. When a friend suggested I add a patient advocate to my team of specialists, it seemed unnecessary. "I have one adjective to describe Ken Schueler", my friend said, "and that adjective is fierce." So I went ahead and scheduled a consult. Besides a comprehensive review of my medical files and a report that included information on cutting edge treatments and research, Mr. Schueler was adamant about obtaining BRCA genetic testing. Because there is no history of cancer on either side of my family, such testing hadn't been considered critical by other physicians. Mr. Schueler, however, made a compelling argument for its importance. When the results came back positive, my excellent prognosis turned into a much bleaker set of statistics, but knowledge is power. As a result, my team of physicians have followed up with a highly aggressive plan for future management including prophylactic elective surgery and genetic testing for other family members. I have a team of first-rate medical professionals, but in the battle for my good health, the enemy doesn't adhere to professional standards. Cancer is fierce and so is Mr. Schueler's approach to patient advocacy. I owe an extreme debt of gratitude to Mr. Schueler because of his advice and I give him my highest recommendation. Joyce Schur
Chicago, IL
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H Kenneth Schueler, Director at HKS Patient Advocates recommended by the following healthcare professionals who submitted their comments directly to LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/hkschueler"As a cancer doctor, I have worked with Ken for years and continue to be wow'd by what he does. Ken provides a unique and much needed service for cancer patients faced with navigating the maze of options related to cancer treatments. He is not only knowledgeable about the disease itself but the latest therapies, trials, as well as the best hospitals, doctors to direct his patients to for each issue. He also provides the kind of very personalized service accompanying patients to their doctors' appointments for example which is a tremendous service because he will help the patients with the right questions and also noting the right answers and providing the physicians with the necessary patient informations, so it is a wonderful enhancement of the care each patient will receive. Above all, I think his most precious gift to the patient is his kindness and compassion, truly caring in an amazing way, he gives his time and devotes his thoughts to each one of his individual clients in a way that many doctors should only emulate. Everytime I see him, I still wonder "how do you do it Ken?"" November 29, 2009
Raymond Chang MD,
FACP, Medical Director , Meridian Medical
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"Kenneth Schueler is a brilliant advisor who provides an invaluable service for patients with cancer or neurological disorders. I recommend him routinely for all the cancer patients who consult with me. He is able to guide them through the maze of treatment options and help them to be sure to get the best available. I don't know what I would do without him as a resource! Everyone I refer to him thanks me profusely." December 6, 2009Christine Horner, M.D.,
founder MD Enterprises LLC
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"Working as a psychotherapist, my clients sometimes are faced with health issues that stump both conventional and alternative medical providers. Ken Schueler has the expertise and breadth of knowledge, as well as access to cutting-edge information, to come up with possible solutions that would otherwise have been unavailable. He has worked with several of my clients, and each has been grateful for the help he has given to them. Add to this his professionalism, dedication and caring, and he is a resource that I count on when all else fails." November 26, 2009 Top qualities: Personable , Expert , High IntegrityJudy Pardo,
LCSW, psychotherapist
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"There are only an elite few I would recommend as highly as Ken; he is a treasure. I have gone to him with different health challenges and he has never failed to be the most helpful person I have asked. Not only is he more knowledgeable than many health professionals, he listens intently, he is well connected, he follows up and he is loving and compassionate. Who he is and what he offers is incomparable." December 24, 2009.Heather Kaye (President of InVision LLC).
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"Ken Schueler provides a valuable service to the many people whose lives he touches. He has been a pioneer in the field of patient advocacy and has mastered his field of research. Ken ensures that his patients have access to the best information available on their disease and opens up options in the field of integrative care. I look forward to his leadership in developing the code of ethics for our new Association and our emerging profession - a high standard of ethics that he clearly exemplifies in his work and professional relationships." November 25, 2009Elizabeth Russell,
Vice President , National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants
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"Ken spoke at one of our national educational conferences and I was struck with his empathy, and ability to really understand the needs of people with cancer. We subsequently asked him to become a board member because he is so intelligent, compassionate, and willing to give 110%. He stays educated, I've met him at a variety of scientific and medical meetings. He reads the literature to stay on top of the every-changing and expanding cancer information. It is so good to know he's there to help folks." November 25, 2009Ann Fonfa,
President, The Annie Appleseed Project
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