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Pastoral Care Staff
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| Staff Chaplains | Alexander Hud and Barbara Klimowicz |
Alexander Hud
Staff Chaplain, Pastoral Care
Phone: 215-728-2944
Alexander.Hud@fccc.edu
I believe that Pastoral Care is a ministry of presence that is more about "being" rather than "doing". In my experience of providing spiritual support to patients, families and staff at Fox Chase Cancer, I have learned that initially, it is very important to relate to them on a human level. In doing so, they feel more comfortable relating to me first as a person and then a hospital chaplain.
Over the years, I have found that my approach of unconditional acceptance often opens the door to an in-depth spiritual encounter, based on affirmation and trust. At times, I meet patients who feel a sense of isolation and abandonement due to suffering. It is personally very rewarding for me to support them in sustaining their hope and reassuring them that they are never alone.
Since I began my work at Fox Chase in 1997 I have gained so much from being with patients at the bedside. I am deeply moved witnessing such inner strength and resilience in patients as they draw from their spirituality and personal faith. It is indeed a privilege for me to serve them on their personal and sacred spiritual journey.
Barbara Klimowicz
Staff Chaplain, Pastoral Care
Phone: 215-728-2944
Barbara.Klimowicz@fccc.edu
As a Fox Chase Cancer Center Chaplain, I have the privilege of serving our patients at bedside. It is there that I meet the most incredible people – our patients. My time spent with them is on a "heart-to-heart" level. This time is very sacred for me as I both listen and learn about their inspiring stories of hope, survival, and love.
As I journey with them through their cancer experiences, my main focus is to provide the patients with a compassionate presence. Through my own near death experience at a very young age, I have been able to translate the compassion that I have experienced as a patient into the compassion that I am able to personally offer the patients. I am always deeply touched by the power of the human spirit and what love can do to ease the burden of human suffering due to cancer. I feel truly humbled and blessed to be able to serve Fox Chase patients – they are our heroes.
