BOLD Program Supports Patients With Cancer at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center

In an interview with CURE, Alyson B. Moadel-Robblee, discussed founding the Bronx Oncology Living Daily (BOLD) Program at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center to support patients with cancer and their families. Inspired by losing her mother to breast cancer, she built the program around patient needs, offering support groups, “BOLD buddies,” and wellness workshops like yoga, reiki, meditation, and creative arts.

BOLD serves diverse communities with resources in English, Spanish and other languages and supports caregivers and children. Patients explore therapies at their own pace to improve emotional and physical well-being. Robblee also recommended at-home options like art, meditation and online resources for those outside the Bronx.

Robblee also acts as deputy director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center and is a professor in the departments of Epidemiology and Population Health, Medicine, Radiation Oncology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Einstein.

CURE: What inspired the creation of the BOLD Program, and how has it evolved to meet the needs of patients over the years?

Robblee: It was a personal inspiration that started BOLD. I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 16, and she was someone who was always looking for support, understanding and belonging. I followed her in that journey, and that was many years ago. When I got my Ph.D. in psychology, I knew I wanted to work with cancer patients. I love being in the Bronx, and I wanted to give back and help other people because I knew what it was like.

I started asking patients what they wanted in their care to help them get through cancer. They said, “I want to talk to people like myself who’ve been through it. I want support groups. I want mind-body therapies.” They directed it, so it came out organically. Then a group of advocates, volunteers and survivors came together, and we put it together ourselves. I will say it takes a village. I may be the director, but I could never do it alone.

For someone who’s just been diagnosed and is feeling overwhelmed with their options, what support or wellness options could they find through BOLD?

If you’re recently diagnosed with breast cancer, first, you should know that you are not alone. There are people here who understand and have been through it. You can speak to a survivor, called a BOLD buddy, who will share their own experience and provide support, letting you know what the journey ahead may look like. We have support groups and wellness workshops, art, creative crafts, reiki, yoga, meditation and more. Patients can come and choose what they like, like a buffet, and try different options. The most important thing is that they’re not alone and that people understand.

How does your program help patients and families manage the emotional and physical tolls of a cancer diagnosis?

I have a colleague who says, when someone is diagnosed with cancer, it’s like a psychiatric emergency. I understand that — it’s a shock, and it can feel like your world has turned upside down. The most important thing is knowing that others have been through it. You’re not alone. You can talk to a therapist, a counselor or a patient advocate who has been through it, or you can join a community and crochet if you want — just so you know you’re not alone, but with people who understand.

We also have support for caregivers, family members, and kids of cancer patients. We have tutoring and a whole community because it’s scary to go through cancer, and so many things get disrupted. But we’re here to show the journey ahead and let people know we’re going to hold their hand through it all.

The Bronx is known for its diversity. How does BOLD ensure that its programs and resources are inclusive and sensitive to patients’ different backgrounds?

The Bronx is very diverse. It’s 57% Hispanic, and the rest come from all different countries, including the U.S. Everything is in English and Spanish: counseling, support groups and workshops. We also try to bring in guest speakers who speak other languages, like Albanian or Bengali, to reach those communities. We’re trying to expand more and are totally inclusive. We want people to know we’re here for them. Wherever they’re from, they’re welcome.

What role do wellness practices, such as meditation or movement, play in helping patients heal and maintain quality of life, specifically after treatment?

When it comes to quality of life and getting back to normal after cancer, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some people want counseling. Some want mind-body therapies, like energy medicine. Our approach is, here’s the buffet. We’ve got all kinds of things you might want to do: art classes, crochet, reiki — try it out and see what fits for you. Follow your own path. We believe that people cope differently — some are very visceral or physical; some more emotional. We give them everything and let them follow their own path.

What advice would you give to any patient who wants to take a more active role in their emotional and physical well-being but isn’t sure where to start?

If you’re recently diagnosed and scared, and you feel like, “I don’t want to talk about it, I don’t want to think about it,” that’s understandable. You have to be where you are right now, but know there’s a community out there for you when you’re ready. If you’re ready, reach out. You can talk to someone like a BOLD buddy, who can say, “Listen, I know exactly what you’re feeling.” You can just go to a group and listen. You can try creative arts. Whatever you want — there’s no obligation. You can come and go as you please. It’s really there for patients to join when they like and get what they need along the way.

What should a patient with cancer understand about reiki in cancer care?

We’re doing a groundbreaking reiki study looking at the impact of preoperative reiki for women undergoing breast cancer surgery. We’re studying its effect on quality of life, physical and emotional well-being and stress hormone levels. It’s the first study to include a sham reiki condition, which is a fake reiki, versus real reiki. We’re doing it with the head of our breast center, Dr. Sheldon Feldman. Reiki is an energy-healing modality, hands-on, and it works well with many patients because it has a spiritual element. Many patients find it soothing to enter surgery knowing someone is just holding them. We’re excited about the study, and the results should be ready in about a year.

Could you give advice for someone wanting to start their own creative healing journey at home or find communities outside the Bronx?

For those outside the Bronx, you’re not alone. Many organizations offer free wellness and cancer support. You can do a lot at home — coloring books, sketching, meditating, or looking for online resources on YouTube. Reach out, look online and find what resonates with you. There’s a lot out there, and we’re also here to provide guidance if someone wants to reach out. Start your journey and know that you’ll be okay.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.