When Trevor Bayliss, MD, was an undergraduate at Williams College and a member of the school's hockey team, he was diagnosed with cancer, a frightening diagnosis for anyone. Despite treatments, his symptoms only got worse, until he was readying himself to accept the inevitable terminal stage. But remarkably a physician steered him to a very common cancer medication that put his illness in remission. His journey made him realize that his career path was going to be in oncology, where he could help people facing similar circumstances and hopefully lead them to their own survivorship.
Dr. Bayliss is now the Medical Director of the Phelps Cancer Center at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC.
"Cancer can be one of the most physically and emotionally challenging realities anyone can face, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones want and deserve the best care possible," said Dr. Bayliss. "The Phelps Cancer Center is the region's most advanced and comprehensive cancer program in a location that promotes healing and well-being right here in the Berkshires. Our patients will never face their cancer diagnosis alone. Every patient is supported by an entire team of highly skilled, compassionate providers who are trained specifically in cancer care, from physicians and nurses to social workers and therapists. Additionally, all patients are assigned an oncology nurse navigator who will guide them through every step of their cancer journey. Our goal is to eliminate confusion and reduce as much of the anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis as possible, so that our patients can focus on getting better."
"At the Phelps Cancer Center, we focus on the 'whole person,' meaning we rely on the latest scientific and technological innovations in cancer diagnosis and care as well as a full range of wellness therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients," said Dr. Bayliss. "Because different types of cancer behave and respond in different ways to a variety of treatments, we design treatment plans specifically customized to each unique patient."
A Berkshire native, born and raised in Williamstown, Dr. Bayliss returned to the area after fellowship training in Hematology Oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he also completed his residency training in Internal Medicine. He is board certified in Medical Oncology Hematology and Internal Medicine and has a medical degree from Albany Medical College.
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Elder Services Celebrates More Thann 50 Years While Navigating Federal Challenges
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elder Services of Berkshire County celebrated 52 years at its annual meeting Friday.
Guests gathered at the Country Club of Pittsfield to honor service members and hear about healthy aging in the county from keynote speaker Beth Dugan, a gerontology professor at the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Massachusetts at Boston.
Executive Director Chris McLaughlin welcomed everyone and recognized community partners and board members. He said the agency is supported by 135 employees and 260 active volunteers who help bring the nonprofit's mission to life.
"As the Aging Services Access Point and Area Agency on Aging for our 32 communities, Elder Services is the trusted resource for older adults and their caregivers, supporting their desire to remain at home safely," he said. "Whether it's a referral to a community resource or to one of our many programs, it's our job to meet people during some of life's most challenging times and to help them find solutions that enable them to remain independent," he said.
McLaughlin said he thought back on last year's meeting where they worried about cuts in federal funding and programs associated with the Trump administration's dismantling of the Administration for Community Living that never materialized. While that did not affect them he raised concern about Medicaid changes expected to take effect in January, including projected reductions in federal funding to Massachusetts and loss of Medicaid eligibility for some consumers because of the implementation of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill."
"These changes will remove $3.5 billion in federal funding for Massachusetts and Medicaid eligibility for many, including some of our consumers, with disastrous consequences," he said.
Another challenge for the agency was a cap put in place on their enrollment for their home care program.
"Our state Home Care program, our agency's largest program, deploys homemakers, home health aides, and companions to the homes of Berkshire older adults and continues to grow at unprecedented levels," McLaughlin said. "The implementation of a cap on the number of Enhanced Community Options Program consumers we can enroll has basically cut in half the number of individuals we can service in this program. These individuals qualify clinically for nursing home level of care. This cap will remain in effect for the near future."
But they are still looking up for the future.
"We understand more than ever before that in 2027 there will be changes designed to limit state spending for older adults and this will be compounded by even more older adults becoming eligible for our services. We look forward to learning more about how the Rural Health Transformation Program will benefit older adults in Berkshire County. We are of course worried about how MassHealth changes will impact our consumers and whether the Commonwealth will reduce our funding to support those who will lose Medicaid eligibility," McLaughlin said.
"Despite these challenges we remain optimistic about the future and will respond to them as we always do, with purpose and resilience."
The nonprofit also highlighted its successes through the Hospital Liaison Program that works with local hospitals to help older adults return home rather than enter a nursing home. Although its original funding had ended, Berkshire Medical Center secured a grant expected to support the program for another 30 months.
Volunteers also helped more than 4,000 Berkshire residents make Medicare and other health-insurance decisions. One volunteer helped a woman undergoing chemotherapy qualify for assistance with co-pays and find grants to address an outstanding bill and was able to complete her treatments without the added stress.
The lunch also awarded Elder Services employees. Lauren Larison, Laura Sexton, Jillian Tatro, Christine Barcus, Lisa Jamros, Nichole Pervere, Janet Richardson, Fred Minkle Jr., Karen Decker, Larry Belanger, Diane Cote, and Mary Moran were recognized for five years with Elder Services. Linda Gilardi, Judith Desjardins, and Sara Dastoli were recognized for 15 years with the agency and Bill Marsh and Deb Aldrich-Jegtvig were celebrating 30 years of service.
The meeting included a change in the board with new President Kalee Carmel taking over for Barry Kriesberg, while recognizing Teresa Caldwell on her term ending.
Executive Director Chris McLaughlin welcomed everyone and recognized community partners and board members. He said the agency is supported by 135 employees and 260 active volunteers who help bring the nonprofit's mission to life.
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Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 497 Holmes Road.
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The approximately $8 million expansion will bring advanced manufacturing capabilities, new jobs, and additional opportunities for technology companies to the William Stanley Business Park, speakers said at Thursday's ceremony. click for more
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