Marina was a new mom raising two young sons when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. She had minimal support and did not know anyone her age who had had cancer. Her grandmother had passed away from cancer when she was a child, and all those she saw during treatment looked like her grandmother. Marina’s cancer was rare – and the fear of leaving her children without a mother was very real.
We need to continue to invest in cancer research so we can keep improving the delivery of cancer care and survivorship.”
Through her journey, she felt isolated, stressed, confused, and physically sick as she tried to navigate the local cancer center with insurance that only covered a portion of her care, seeking transportation to and from, and securing childcare. Ultimately, Marina survived due to being the recipient of groundbreaking cancer treatments.
Five years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time. The fear of not being there for her children, and all the challenges she faced started all over again. Thankfully, she got through it – and came out on the other side.
Following the 2nd occurrence, Marina moved closer to her family in Pittsburgh and landed a job at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Today, she still works there as a patient navigation coordinator, connecting patients to education, services, and support within the system and the community. Although Marina didn’t receive patient navigation services during her cancer journey, she is now able to provide these important services for others.
Patient navigation services are supported by research, and Marina knows the positive impact they have on those battling cancer, how they can improve the quality of life, and the ultimate outcome of their cancer journey. She continues to use her voice for her patients by advocating for increased funding for cancer research.