Breathing Easier: How Palliative Care Helped Joanne Steckler Reclaim Her Strength
For Joanne Steckler, life has always been about balance—between family and independence, resilience and rest, Maryland winters and Nevada sunshine. At 80 years old, Joanne still approaches life with optimism and gratitude, even when faced with new health challenges. With the help of Gilchrist’s Palliative Care team, she’s learned how to manage her symptoms, maintain her lifestyle, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Family, Faith, and the Joy of Everyday Life
Joanne recently celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by her family—a milestone that felt especially meaningful after the health struggles of the past year. “I wasn’t looking forward to my birthday at first,” she admits with a laugh. “My whole family wanted to celebrate with me, and I wasn’t sure I’d feel well enough. But I did—and I’ve been improving so much these past few weeks.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn and on Long Island, Joanne eventually settled in Maryland with her husband. Together, they raised two children, a son and a daughter, who have gone on to build meaningful, successful lives. Between them, Joanne has five grandchildren, ages 21 to 26, each carving their own path.
When Breathing Became a Battle
Joanne’s journey with Gilchrist began after her pulmonologist diagnosed her with COPD-asthma overlap syndrome and prescribed full-time oxygen. “I was doing okay for a while,” she says, “but then I had a major event that landed me in the hospital for 11 days while we were at our winter home in Nevada.”
When she returned to Maryland, her breathing and test numbers had worsened. Her pulmonologist referred her to palliative care through Kaiser Permanente, which connected her with Gilchrist. “Gilchrist contacted me soon after,” she recalls. “They explained everything and made the process easy. From the start, I felt supported.”
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. It is appropriate at any stage of illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment. The goal is to improve quality of life—for both the patient and their family.
At Gilchrist, palliative care is delivered by a team of nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers who collaborate with patients’ existing doctors. The team helps manage pain and symptoms, coordinate care between providers, and offer emotional and practical support. Gilchrist’s palliative care program meets patients where they are, ensuring they receive the right level of care when they need it most.
Finding Relief and Renewed Confidence
For Joanne, the difference was immediate. “Having these people here for me has been wonderful,” she says. “Brian Fikes, my nurse practitioner, has helped me in so many ways. The scheduling, the communication—everything has been excellent. It’s been such a positive experience.”
With the support of Gilchrist and her care team, Joanne regained strength and confidence. She recently met her therapy goals with CenterWell and was discharged from occupational therapy—a milestone that felt like a turning point. “I’m doing much better than before,” she says proudly.
Chasing Sunshine and Good Health
Each winter, Joanne and her husband escape the cold to their townhouse in Las Vegas, where the warm, dry air helps her breathe more easily. “We leave when the leaves fall and come home when the green returns,” she says with a smile. “In Nevada, the mornings are bright, the air is clear, and even if it’s only 60 degrees, we can sit outside for hours without coats. It’s lovely.”
While she’s looking forward to seeing her grandchildren and attending her granddaughter’s wedding in May, she’s equally grateful for the stability she’s found. “Gilchrist’s care is top notch,” she says. “They are professional, compassionate, and always reliable. It makes such a difference knowing I have people I can count on.”
Learn More About Gilchrist Palliative Care
Gilchrist Palliative Care provides medical, emotional, and practical support for individuals with serious illnesses—helping them live life as fully and comfortably as possible. Our team works with patients and families to manage symptoms, coordinate care, and offer peace of mind.
To learn more or make a referral, visit gilchristcares.org/palliative-care or call 888.823.8880.