When Kimberlee Steckman began her breast cancer treatment at WellSpan Adams Cancer Center, she began to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable.  

Her cancer journey began in 2025 at another health system. After she was reclassified with a diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer, Kimberlee chose care close to home through  WellSpan Adams Cancer Center. She began treatment in July 2025, looking for care that felt both expert and personal. 

Very early in that journey, Kimberlee found support in someone who would help guide her through nearly every major decision. Her WellSpan breast cancer nurse navigator, Laura Moser, became one of her most trusted resources.  

“Hearing you have breast cancer can be a terrifying moment, and it comes with a lot of ‘what ifs,’” said Moser. “Patients shouldn’t have to navigate the health care system while also coping with a cancer diagnosis. That’s where I step in. I help become a patient’s advocate, educator and emotional support throughout their journey as much or as little as they need to guide them through such an overwhelming experience.” 

Kimberlee connecting with her care navigator, Laura Moser, at the WellSpan Adams Cancer Center.  

During Kimberlee’s first medical oncology consult, Laura joined her to be a calming presence.  

At that first visit, Kimberlee’s husband asked a simple question about hair loss. That question opened the door to a conversation that would become deeply meaningful. Dr. Anshuma Rana recommended scalp cooling as an option to help reduce chemotherapy‑related hair loss, and a WellSpan team member stepped in to explain how it worked.  

They walked through what to expect and what support would be available throughout treatment, especially as it was recently rolled out across all of the WellSpan cancer centers, thanks to philanthropic donations from individuals and organizations looking to positively impact someone’s cancer journey.  

All patients are eligible for scalp cooling and while insurance often covers most of the cost, WellSpan philanthropy and national partners help ensure that patients who want the option are not turned away. 

Training is provided to both nurses and patients. Kimberlee remembers feeling overwhelmed the first day she used the device. She arrived with wet hair and the equipment bag that includes both an inner and outer cap. She velcroed the inner cap together following instructional videos before settling in for treatment. When she worried the cap was not fitted correctly, her infusion nurse, Sara Shank, sat with her and contacted customer support to walk through the placement step by step. That extra reassurance made a difficult moment feel manageable.

Kimberlee wearing the cooling cap during her treatment.  

“I am thrilled to share that this tool helped me keep most of my hair during treatment, with only a few thin spots that I hide with my bangs,” said Kimberlee. “While I am grateful for the physical results, I am also thankful for the impact it has had on my overall well-being during treatment, allowing me to still feel and look like myself as much as possible.” 

Moreover, Kimberlee’s mother lives in Florida in an assisted living facility and as she ages, she has difficulty with her memory. Kimberlee feared that a dramatic change in her appearance would confuse or upset her.  

“I actually never told my mother about the breast cancer because I didn’t want her to worry,” said Kimberlee. “I feel like this tool is one of the biggest blessings in the middle of this storm.” 

Since undergoing chemo and utilizing the cooling cap, Kimberlee has visited her mother several times and her mother has not noticed any changes in her hair which has helped keep their relationship steady during an uncertain time.  

She has since stopped scalp cooling because her regimen changed to a type of chemotherapy where the treatment is no longer effective. She has noticed some mild shedding since then but says she would recommend the option without hesitation. For her, it made the journey feel lighter. 

Today, Kimberlee is retired and living in Gettysburg, with plans to travel often to Florida to visit her mom. 

While her cancer journey continues in the maintenance stage, she remains grounded, grateful and open about why this treatment mattered to her. It was more than preserving hair. It was preserving connection, confidence and peace of mind when she needed them most. 

Kimberlee receiving one of her final infusion appointments supported by her nurse, Ashley Mcintyre.  

To learn more about WellSpan’s innovative and personalized cancer treatments and support, visit www.WellSpan.org/Cancer.  

If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer journey and looking for additional support, WellSpan offers several support groups where patients and caregivers can connect, share experiences and celebrate milestones together. To find a support group near you, visit WellSpan.org/Events.