The Center and Dr. Stram helped me deal not only with my health problems and managing my health issues, but also just taught me a different way of thinking about life and that's been helpful to me to grow as a person. Listen to hear Kecia's personal story of health and  recovery

The Stram Center didn't tell me I have 4-6 months to live; they said 'we are going to attack this with everything we can.' I believe I have been helped here. Listen to Christine's heart felt story about her battle with cancer

In loving memory of Christine, who lived more than two years beyond her initial prognosis. Christine agreed to sit with us for this interview because she wanted to encourage others not to give up hope if you are told you have a few months to live and to seek an oncologist who will work with alternative medicine.

After a painful experience with uncaring doctors who treated my cancer, I discovered the doctors at the Center. What a blessing. Finally, I found true healers who cared. They changed my life, opening up a vast new world of healing and healthy living for me and my entire family.

Today is one of those days, when the words "thank you" seem so ordinary for offering gratitude for extra-ordinary gifts. When I first came to the Center, I came with some amount of cynicism, since I have spent so much time, energy, money and most of all trust and hope on promises and sales jobs by other practitioners. Very soon I came to realize that what you and your colleagues are doing is so much different and most of all it is authentic, genuine and sincere. Over many years the empty promises led me to dis-trust most everyone and to lose hope that I would ever find a path to wellness. For me, the most important element of healing is really knowing someone is "really" there to support the process.

This compassion, caring and true knowledge that you offer is a gift that only true "healers" possess. So, once again, I offer my deep gratitude for what you are doing and I feel very fortunate to be a beneficiary of what the Center offer

s.

An Infertility Story: “The Stram Center has been a haven of support and thoughtful, high-quality care.”

Acupuncture was recommended to me during the midst of a challenging period of infertility. We had been trying to conceive for over two years with no luck, and had just been officially diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility.’ We had begun visits to a fertility clinic, and I was desperate to try all avenues to conceive our first child. I was also very concerned about the impact of the medications and procedures on my body. I was new to acupuncture, and was not sure what to expect, but the experience was incredible, uplifting, and amazing.

Rebecca could not have been better as an ally and advocate for my mental and physical well being. She answered many of my preliminary questions over the phone, and spent a lengthy first session getting to know me, my habits, and my issues. Her procedures were always explained clearly and carefully. Rebecca was also a calm in they eye of the storm for me – always a relaxing presence, who consistently brought me back to my body and its ability, not its disability, to make things happen. The sessions were a time for me to relax and take care of myself, and I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever was next for us. I felt physically better than I had in a long time, and the suggested supplements I was taking in conjunction with the acupuncture helped with my whole body – digestion, clearer thinking, better attitude, even better skin!

We mapped out a series of treatment that would help align my body to be the most receptive to the fertility treatments, and to help with the inherent stress I was under. Though my husband did not go for treatment as well, she suggested it. After just three and a half months, we conceived our baby! I sincerely attribute our success to the addition of acupuncture in our fertility treatments. Rebecca and the Stram Center staff continue to be my first suggestion to friends and family who struggle with a myriad of physical and emotional issues. The Stram Center has been a haven of support and thoughtful, high-quality care.

My story begins with a breast cancer diagnosis in September of 2006, followed by surgery and then 4 months of chemotherapy. 

About 2 months after chemotherapy, I noticed some uneven inflammation and swelling in the inner forearm area. Lymphadema was ruled out and 10 days of high dose “Motrin” was prescribed by my surgeon.

Eventually, these conditions subsided and all seemed well for about a year. Then, after a long day of shopping in Manhattan this past summer, I noticed that my hands and arms had once again become slightly swollen. This time the swelling seemed more severe in my hands, especially the fingers… the swelling again subsided, but I had a third recurrence about a month later and I knew this had to be addressed.

I had an appointment already in place with my oncologist and planned on discussing a course of treatment with her. I was very concerned that I might be dealing with a precursor to lymphadema.

When I arrived for my appointment, I noticed a sign for Dr. Stram’s office in the NYOH building, where I see my oncologist… this seemed like a “good omen” since I planned to discuss the possibility of using acupuncture to treat the recurring swelling.

When I asked my doctor about Dr. Stram’s practice, she was very enthusiastic about my wish to pursue alternative healing as a part of my continuing recovery.

I knew I was in the right place from the first moment I met Dr. Stram.

He took time to listen to all my concerns and asked many questions about my health, lifestyle and my cancer therapies. We agreed upon a course of action to complement my regular oncology visits. That very first day I was even able to begin a course of acupuncture treatments with Rebecca… I can actually feel the energy flowing through my body after one of her treatments.

I know for a certainty, that the combination of acupuncture, nutritional guidelines, vitamins and supplements have greatly improved my condition as well as my overall health… I also feel more in control, knowing that I can continue to improve without relying on toxic chemicals.

I am so very pleased with the results I have had after just 6 short weeks… and I continue to improve.

I feel more confident in my recovery, now that I have Dr. Stram and his terrific staff on my team to help keep me on the path to wellness.

When I first met Rebecca, my life held extremely debilitating anxiety and health related fears. I was terrified of doctors. Thanks to Rebecca, I can function much more confidently and independently. I am so grateful to Rebecca's compassion as a true healer.

Dr. DiRoma was extremely helpful to me during my period of prostate cancer treatment. The nutritional suggestions and herbal supplements he prescribed resulted in a remarkable diminishment of the side effects of my cancer treatments. I found Dr. DiRoma to be patient and informative and a pleasure to work with.

To all who seek an alternative or concomitant solution with traditional medicine and a willingness to participate in their own health and healing:

I first met Dr. Stram under difficult circumstances, by way of an unexpected ambulance trip to Albany Memorial Hospital's emergency room last December. I was rushed there after inexplicably collapsing at home. Where only a few hours before I had been cutting down a Christmas tree with my family, I was suddenly thrust into a struggle for my own survival. It was my incredibly good fortune to have the hospital's Director of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Ronald Stram, on call that evening. Fate had caught up with me that day and even threw down a barrier of 3 feet of snow for the EMT's to transport me through. Destiny however, was about to hand me a big break as a new world full of promise, hope and clarity was about to unfold before me.

Sometime after this traumatic event I decided to consult with him at the The Center. My life and my health have improved immeasurably since teaming with Ron and his wonderful staff of skilled and compassionate people, which includes his office manager and wife, Nadine. They have helped empower me to effect positive changes to my health by coaching me to use foods and natural supplements wisely. That along with the balancing and therapeutic touch of his specialized assistants has helped my mind and body bolster their own restorative powers to mentally and physically achieve that balance and to strengthen.

'Joining' their team as a pro-active partner in my health and well-being is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It is difficult to adequately put into words how highly I would recommend them to you. I know that my healing process is hardly complete, but I also know that I am finally on the right path and that I took a quantum leap forward in that journey the day I walked through their door!

The Center is like coming to a loving, nurturing, caring environment where my special health needs are met with genuine concern and unrushed personal attention.