She’s using her experience to give back to others

She’s undergoing chemotherapy and finding ways to bring comfort to others.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

As she recently spent hours in an infusion pod Nichole Berberick chatted about her journey to IU Health Simon Cancer Center.

It was the Wednesday after Memorial Day when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Originally doctors thought she had an esophageal stricture. She went in for an endoscope, where a light and camera offer a closer look.

“At first they didn’t see anything and then the scope flipped, and something didn’t look right at the top of my stomach,” said Berberick, 54. “My general surgeon called it an ‘angry spot.’ They didn’t know if it was an ulcer or something else.” A second biopsy followed, and she received her diagnosis on May 29.

At the time, Berberick was treated at another hospital and was referred to IU Health. She is now in the care of IU Health’s Dr. Anita Turk. As she undergoes several cycles of chemotherapy, Berberick is accompanied by her husband, Tim; and mother, Kathy Johnson. On this day her mother sat next to her crocheting a prayer shawl.

The warm covering is one of many gifts Berberick and her family members are making to give back to patients at IU Health Simon Cancer Center and other local hospitals. They hope to have “blessing boxes” filled with necessities for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Berberick has sewed turbans, neck rests and “port pillows” that protect a patient’s chemo port while wearing a seatbelt.

Many of the items would only be familiar to someone like Berberick who is undergoing treatment.

“I’m fine with not having hair but some patients aren’t. Not everybody can afford to get a turban on Amazon, so we want to provide them with one,” said Berberick. In addition to her mother, her aunt has also helped with the effort. Among the gifts are colorful quilt squares with verses. Inside, is tucked a small cross. She also plans to add books, ChapStick, Chapstick holders and other essentials she discovers during her treatment.

“I’ve had so many people sad for me since May, this is something I can do to make others happy and help them along the way,” said Berberick.

Her mother wears one example of a gift from others – a t-shirt designed by a family member with the message: “In this family we fight as one.”

Kathy Johnson talks about her daughter’s upbringing. She grew up in Bargersville and graduated from Center Grove High School, where she was active in choir and drama. Since the age of 13, she’s worked with her mom in the medical field. She was first hired to do some filing and typing and eventually moved into hospital administration. In October, Berberick will celebrate 33 years of marriage to her husband. They are the parents of two boys, ages 32 and 26, and have one grandchild.

“She was never ill and never hospitalized other than when she had her babies,” said Johnson. “She has a younger brother and growing up they were best friends. She was always active and into something – Girl Scouts, church, and choir.”

Berberick is also known for carrying on German heritage by serving up her grandma’s hot potato salad. She enjoys exercising and gardening - “You name it, if it has green on it, we love it,” she said. She also loves spending time at the beach.

“I’ve been very thankful for my care. I’ve met people here during treatment and overall, I’ve felt pretty good,” said Berberick. “Honestly, I love this place. There’s not been anybody who hasn’t been kind, and amazingly thoughtful.”