Navigating Cancer Care

Navigating a cancer diagnosis and everything that comes with it is an incredibly challenging experience. That’s why Mission Hope Cancer Center - Arroyo Grande has people like Oncology Nurse Navigator Lindsey Hughes.

“Usually, I meet people on the worst day of their life,” Lindsey said. “My job is to take that really hard diagnosis and create a plan where they feel supported, are educated about what’s available to them, and are better able to make decisions for themselves.”

Lindsey made a lasting impression on cancer survivor Connie Glenn-Wemple. “From the first days of my treatment she was always available for questions or lending an ear. She spent the time needed to answer any questions or concerns I or my family had with a smile on her face - never in a hurry. She would take time to check on me in the infusion room, as I am sure she did many other women!” Connie has continued her relationship with Lindsey following her treatment and is honored to call her a friend.

Without donors like you, Lindsey’s position wouldn’t exist. Nurse navigators are a completely free resource available to the community, which is made possible by the Cancer Care Fund.

Last year, we received $55,141 in donations to the Cancer Care Fund. 100% of that money stays local and helps to support Lindsey and the other members of her team, including an oncology social worker, a dietician, a rehabilitation trainer, and a transportation coordinator.

In addition to staff, the fund also supports other critical resources for patients and their families, including support groups, counseling sessions, screenings, transportation, gas cards, and more.

“We support the cancer patient and their whole family. Often people don’t know how to plug into these kinds of resources because they don’t know they’re available." Lindsey said.

“We have such a generous community. We’re very lucky to live here,” Lindsey said. “With the Cancer Care Fund, we’re able to have the additional resources needed to help people not only get through their treatment but thrive through their treatment.”

If you'd like to support local cancer patients through the Cancer Care Fund or learn more, please click here.