A Cancer Survivor’s Advice for Others

“Don’t eat from a salad bar.”

That’s just one piece of advice Muriel Light Egan often shared with new patients she met in the infusion suite at Cleveland Clinic’s Maroone Cancer Center in Weston, Florida. Another is not to listen to negative stories others may share. “They don’t apply to you,” says Muriel.

Diagnosed in 2018 at age 71 with early-stage breast cancer, the Delray Beach resident understands how overwhelming those first days can be. From appointments and treatment plans to unfamiliar medical terms, patients with cancer can quickly experience information overload.

Muriel underwent a unilateral mastectomy, followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy and a year of targeted therapy infusions at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Throughout her months of treatment, she made it her mission to comfort others beginning their journeys.

“I would try to make the new patients feel at ease because I knew what it felt like,” she recalls. “And I always felt that tip on avoiding foodborne illnesses was an important one.”

Today, Muriel still has advice to share: “If you have cancer and want the best care, go to Cleveland Clinic. They don’t just care for you – they care!”

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care

Cancer has long touched Muriel’s life. Both her mother and an older sister died from breast cancer. That history made her diagnosis especially daunting and the quality of her care especially meaningful.

She describes the care she received at the Maroone Cancer Center as “top notch,” from her oncologist, Zeina Nahleh, MD, the infusion nurse who stood by her side for more than a year and the clinicians and technicians who supported her every step of the way.

“Dr. Nahleh was so knowledgeable and thorough,” Muriel says. “When she saw my scalp was having a reaction to the chemotherapy, she made sure I was seen by a dermatologist the same day. She also made sure I knew I had access to a full range of cancer support services and connected me with an oncology dietician when I had questions.”

Nutrition became an important focus for Muriel, who researched the topic deeply during and after treatment. Nutrition guidance is among the many philanthropy-funded support services available to patients at the Maroone Cancer Center that extends well beyond medical treatment.

Patients have access to complimentary art and music therapy, massage therapy, and beauty and wig services. Donor contributions also sustain specialized support groups, patient navigation and financial advocacy – all provided at no charge.

Philanthropy Powers Innovation

Muriel is quick to recognize the philanthropic support that helped make her care possible. The Maroone Cancer Center was established through generous donations and its services continue to be strengthened by those who believe in having world-class cancer care in South Florida.

“Because of philanthropy, Cleveland Clinic has state-of-the-art technology and the talented people who know how to use it,” she says. “They also stay up-to-date on the latest developments in cancer treatments and conduct their own research.”

As evidence of this commitment to innovation, Muriel benefited from an advanced molecular test, called the Breast Cancer Index, which the Cleveland Clinic Maroone Cancer Center was among the first to adopt across the region.

“The test analyzes 11 genes from tumor tissue to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence and helps determine whether extending endocrine therapy beyond the standard five years would benefit a patient,” explains Dr. Nahleh, Vice Chief of the Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Florida and Medical Director of the Maroone Cancer Center.

“Fortunately, I was able to complete the therapy after five years,” Muriel says.

Cancer care advancements like this depend on transformative research. The cancer physicians at Cleveland Clinic in Florida conduct clinical trials on new therapies and investigate ways to improve patient quality of life during and after cancer treatment. One such study, supported by a VeloSano grant, explored the use of virtual reality as a supportive tool to reduce distress and anxiety and improve overall well-being for patients during chemotherapy.

Rallying for a Cure

VeloSano is Cleveland Clinic’s year-round fundraising movement for cancer research. On March 28, 2026, supporters will gather in Fort Lauderdale for VeloSano Florida for the Cure, a first-of-its-kind event bringing together participants to raise funds for lifesaving discoveries while enjoying a pickleball tournament.

Thanks to donors who invest in research, innovation and comprehensive support services, patients like Muriel receive care that treats the whole person – with expertise, compassion and hope.