20th Annual Candler Clays Honoree

Article as appeared on the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundations Website:

"Our honoree for the 20th annual Candler Clays Charity Shoot & Auction is Dr. Monica R. Kenney MD.

Dr. Kenney is a board certified allergy/immunology specialist who has been caring for patients in our

community for 17 years. She practices at Coastal Allergy & Asthma PC and is also a clinical assistant professor for Mercer University School of Medicine. She obtained her medical degree at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, followed by a pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in Allergy-Immunology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Dr. Kenney was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2020 during a routine screening mammogram. The

diagnosis itself was devastating. The prospect of undergoing cancer treatment while continuing to balance a busy profession and a family with two young children was overwhelming. Fear and uncertainty quickly turned to focus and determination. With the help and support of her husband, Dr. Jeff Kenney, her family, friends and colleagues, she faced the challenging road of cancer treatment with fierce resolve and dignity. Guided by her caring team of nurses and physicians including Dr. Susan Mahany, Dr. John Mikell and Dr. Jennifer Yannucci, she completed cancer treatment in 2021 and is currently in remission.

Dr. Kenney and her husband were instrumental in the procurement of a scalp cooling system to prevent or lessen hair-loss during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Previously patients interested in this therapy needed to leave the area and travel to a larger city to receive treatment. Because of their efforts, patients we serve at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion now have access to the FDA approved DigniCap Scalp Cooling System. For many women, hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment can be one of the most upsetting aspects of treatment. Scalp cooling can help them maintain dignity and quality of life during and after their cancer treatment."