Oncology nutritionist Julia Hincman-Francavilla, MS, RD, LDN, CSO, assists patients through all forms of radiation treatment. In particular, she helps pediatric patients maintain a healthy diet while undergoing proton therapy for cancer. At risk of rapid weight loss, some of these children suffer from swallowing disorders, severe mucositis or treatment-induced anorexia.
“Julia endears herself to our patients and their anxious parents,” writes Torunn Yock, MD, director of Pediatric Radiation Oncology at the Mass General Cancer Center. “They say how wonderful Julia is to work with and appreciate her creativity and expertise in coaxing a reluctant child to eat well.
“Julia is integral to our pediatric oncology team and we miss her terribly when she is occasionally absent due to her own battle with cancer. Julia pushes herself to keep up her schedule as much as her doctors allow, and then some.”
“Julia partners with parents and supports them through their obstacles and successes as they learn to nourish a child who finds digestion painful,” writes Rachel Bolton, RN. “She speaks easily to both children and parents about how to work around difficulties and enjoy meals again. Julia inspires us to help each other succeed and enjoy life, even in adversity.”
