Affordable Treatment for Cancer Patients

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Physical Therapy Month. You might already be aware of these movements, but what can you do to help?

In the U.S., more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer. The good news is that the rate of cancer deaths is going down and cancer survivors have a better chance of living longer after their treatment. However, the side effects of cancer treatments can persist and negatively affect a person’s day-to-day life. Dr. Melissa Cofer, the founder of Sol Center Physical Therapy, believes that anyone who fights cancer deserves the absolute best quality of life, not just during treatment, but for the rest of their life. 

There are some major obstacles for patients to receive treatment. 1.) There is a shortage of well-qualified oncology rehabilitation specialty practices in Central Texas, and the need for physical therapy far exceeds the availability of these services. 2.) Patients are under-referred and expected to settle for a “new normal," which is a lower quality of life than what could be possible with additional care. 3.) For the best possible care and improved outcomes, oncology patients require therapy that is individualized, attentive, flexible, one-on-one, long term, less demanding, and medically safe. 4.) The cost of what may be viewed as "supplemental medical treatment," such as physical therapy, therapeutic massage, facial treatment, fitness training, and recreational therapy can be too much for cancer patients to afford on top of their other medical expenses.

At Sol Center Physical Therapy, we offer physical therapy, fitness training, massage therapy, esthetic treatment, and recreational therapy (with the option of animal assisted services) to oncology patients in the greater Austin area! However, not all the patients who would like to see us are able to afford treatment. 

This is where you come in - your donation can help cover the partial, or even the entire cost, of treatment for our prospective patients! This fundraiser is raising money to help pay for therapeutic care for those who wouldn’t be able to afford to receive treatment here otherwise, and ensure that our practitioners receive their full wage for their amazing care! Your donation would help people who currently have or previous had breast cancer receive physical therapy that can improve their health and quality of life! 

Thank you for taking the time to read through our campaign, and we greatly appreciate any donation you can happily make! 

What services are you helping to fund?

 INDIVIDUAL SERVICES

"There are many ways pelvic floor physical therapy can help patients undergoing cancer treatment. Urinary incontinence often occurs as a result of chemo-therapies. Shortening of pelvic and abdominal muscles due to radiation in these areas can occur and result in side effects of urinary and bowel incontinence and pelvic pain. Surgery can alter the anatomy of the pelvis and abdomen, leading to urinary and/or bowel incontinence. Additionally, patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and treated with hormone therapies can also experience side effects impacting their bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Pelvic floor therapy is a special type of physical therapy used to help manage these side effects." - Therapeutic Pain Specialist Dr. Michele Green, PT, DPT

Physical Therapy with Dr. Cofer, PT, DPT
Dr. Cofer offers free consultations to meet prospective patients, discuss a plan of care, and provide a good faith estimate for out-of-pocket expenses. After a consult, Dr. Cofer can perform a Phased Plan of Care, Pre-Op/Post-Op Plan and Care, Caregiver Training, and Individual Manual Lymphatic Drainage Visits.  

Physical Therapy with Dr. Green, PT, DPT
Dr. Green also offers free consultations, and then provides Pelvic Floor Therapy, Chronic Pain Therapy, and Telehealth Services. 

Recreational Therapy with Stephanie Castro, TRS/TXC, MSLS
Stephanie's Recreational Therapy Services utilize leisure activities to promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.

Skin Care Services with Oncology Trained, Licensed Esthetician Alicia Daniels
Alicia offers Hydrating Facials that focus on the face, neck, and arms, a package that includes Hands & Feet, an option to include a Back Facial, or a Facial with Lymphatic Massage. 

Fitness Training with Alyssa Washington, NASM-CPT
Alyssa offers One-to-One Personal Training, Group Classes, Remote Classes, and Fitness Readiness Consultations to optimize recovery from cancer treatment with her specialized expertise and holistic approach. 

Massage Therapy with Amber Bezzant, LMT
Amber offers Relaxation Massage, Scar Tissue Treatment, Deep Tissue Massage, and Lymphatic Drainage co-treatment with Dr. Cofer. Amber will combine or add to these services in a way to meet your individual needs. 

"The cool thing about massage is the huge list of benefits and the very short list of risks. It can reduce stress and induce relaxation. It can bring soothing touch when a cancer patient is so tired of being poked and prodded. It can help improve the outcomes of surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. It can help with inflammation. It can help loosen skin that has become tough due to radiation therapy. And all you have to do is lay there and relax. " - Amber Bezzant, LMT 

GROUPS & CLASSES

"Fitness can significantly benefit breast cancer patients by enhancing recovery and reducing treatment-related fatigue. Regular exercise improves strength, mobility, and overall energy levels, making daily activities easier. It also supports mental health by alleviating anxiety and depression, while helping to sustain an active lifestyle, which can reduce the risk of recurrence. Additionally, exercise promotes better immune function and can improve bone health, especially during certain treatments. Overall, fitness contributes to a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment." - Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Cancer Specialist, Alyssa Washington, NASM-CPT

Functional Fitness after Breast Cancer Treatment
This 6-week class is designed to improve daily function, strength, and mobility in a safe, judgment-free space. 

Strengthen Your Sol
This low-impact class is intended to help cancer survivors improve and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. This class is offered weekly, both virtually and in our clinic.

Chair Strengthening 
This low-impact session focuses on building muscle strength, improving balance, and enhancing overall mobility using simple yet powerful exercises. Ideal for all fitness levels, including those with limited mobility, this class combines seated and standing movements that target key muscle groups, helping you stay strong and active. 

Chair Yoga, Chair Chi
A 30-minute class that brings the benefits of traditional yoga and the ancient art of Tai Chi to a comfortable, seated position. This class is designed for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, including those who may have mobility challenges or prefer a more gentle approach to exercise. 

Food! Fit! Fun!
In the first half of the session, Alyssa introduces dynamic stretches with targeted strengthening exercises, focusing on key muscle groups to increase range of motion and stability. In the second half of the session, Stephanie Stephanie will share recipes that promote nutritious eating and food prep to support your wellness goals.

Drum & Dance, Stretch & Strengthen
In the first half of the session, "Drum & Dance," Stephanie will lead you through the cardio portion of the class, with basic drumming choreography. In the second half of the session, "Stretch & Strengthen," Alyssa will lead you through exercises designed to improve flexibility, build functional strength, and enhance overall mobility.

Chronic Pain Support Group
This is a peer-support group with Animal-Assisted Activities and other Therapeutic Recreation.

Life After Cancer Treatment
This is a peer-support group that is a mix of group discussion and recreational therapy. 

Newly Diagnosed with Cancer Support Group and Sex and Intimacy During and After Cancer Treatment Support Group
These are both waitlisted, closed peer-support groups.    

Meet our Team! 

Dr. Melissa Cofer, PT, DPT - Melissa is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with clinical experience and specialty training since 2016. She is experienced in providing quality care throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through lifelong survivorship. She works with patients across many different cancer diagnoses, providing pre-op assessment, post-op rehabilitation, and management of treatment side effects. She is the founder and owner of Sol Center Physical Therapy, which opened as PORi Center of Excellence Oncology Rehabilitation clinic. Melissa's treatment approach relies on a team effort between the therapist and the patient. She focuses on empowering patients with education and tools for long-term success in their wellness journeys. She believes that every patient deserves individualized attention to their changing needs, as well as compassionate hands-on care.

To learn more about Melissa and her practice, please visit https://www.solcentertherapy.com/

Dr. Michele Green, PT, DPT, TPS - Michele is a Licensed Physical Therapist, Therapeutic Pain Specialist, and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist in private practice specializing in pain care and pelvic health. Michele has completed pelvic health training through the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Michele is also a Therapeutic Pain Specialist, following completion of the Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification program through Evidence in Motion. Michele provides holistic care, custom tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient, throughout their journey of recovery. She also helps patients improve function, re-engage in their lives, and reduce pain when experiencing conditions such as: autoimmune disease, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, cancer, and arthritis. She enjoys guiding and educating her patients in how to better understand and relate to their bodies and their recovery.

To learn more about Michele and her patient care, please visit https://essential-physicaltherapy.com

Alicia Daniels - Alicia is a passionate medically licensed Esthetician providing personalized skincare treatments. She is skilled in a wide range of esthetic procedures and possesses expertise in Oncology Skincare, focusing on skincare before, during, and after Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments. In her spare time, she likes to hang out with family and go on family rides. Whether you are looking for a day to just relax and unwind or address your specific needs Alicia is here to help!

Alyssa Washington, NASM-CPT, Certified Personal Trainer - With a passion for transforming lives through fitness, Alyssa brings her expertise as Sol Center’s dedicated personal traine. Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, she specializes in tailoring dynamic workout programs to meet individual goals, ensuring each client experiences a journey of strength, vitality, and well-being. Alyssa is currently building out a schedule of Foundational Fitness Classes for regaining strength and function post cancer treatment.

Amber Bezzant, LMT, Licensed Massage Therapist - Amber is a recent Texas transplant from Utah. She received her massage training at the Intermountain Massage Therapy College in Bountiful, Utah. She employs several different massage modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, myofascial release techniques, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage techniques, cupping, and scraping. When not massaging, she enjoys pole dance, circus arts, cycling, snowboarding, and spending time with her partner, two children, and her two cats.

Amber can be reached through her personal massage business at [email protected].

Stephanie Castro, TRS/TXC, MSLS - Stephanie is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in the State of Texas, who was born and raised in Austin. Stephanie has been a certified Recreation Therapist for 10 plus years, working with all ages in mental health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community settings. She is also a certified instructor for Chair Yoga, Chair Chi, Drumtastic (drumming while performing rhythmic movements), and is currently studying to be a certified brain injury specialist. As a recreation therapist, she uses activity-based interventions such as music, art, sports, and other leisure activities to help enhance the clients’ overall quality of life. Additionally, she also coaches a juniors volleyball club in the springtime. Her interests are painting, playing volleyball, playing the clarinet, skateboarding, hiking, exercising, and engaging in other activities with her son.