Dear friends and neighbors,
Every year I ride the 50 mile loop of the Pedaling for Payson fund-raiser event. I am asking for your support to this worthy cause. Unlike many cancer fund-raising events, this one does not raise money for research or treatment, it provides funding to those who need help to get the access to logistical support and counseling.
Your support of this event as a donor truly does make a difference in the lives of those closest to us battling cancer. Every dollar matters and supports the Pedaling for Hope Fund at Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care. The Fund largely underwrites the Center's Nurse Navigator Program, which serves to coordinate both the medical treatment and community outreach for the most vulnerable cancer patients. So pedal on New Hampshire and support the Payson Cancer Center!
Every September, Pedaling for Payson raises funds for Nurse Navigation. What does this really mean? How does it impact patients and their families at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care? Keep reading to find out!
- Nurse Navigation is typically described as a point of contact for a patient, coordinating all aspects of their treatment. Last week, staff from Pedaling for Payson spoke with two former patients who benefited from nurse navigation.
- Meet Jillian and Kim, our Oncology nurse navigators at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care. Jillian serves patients with head and neck, esophageal, and anal-rectal cancers, while Kim treats patients with lung cancers. Combined, Jillian and Kim treat 100+ patients each year, many of whom come from the Lakes region and even more north. However, their reach is much larger. In 2023, both Kim and Jillian have had over 2,100 encounters - or touch points with patients and/or their cases. Sometimes this means coordinating a doctor's office or working directly with a patient. These encounters, and the relationship built between the nurse navigators and patients, make it possible for those with cancer to focus on their treatment and stay on top of their health.
- Meet Catherine Hastings, a former patient of Jillian’s who received treatment last year. Catherine had comorbidities in addition to her cancer, which made her case complicated. There were many times that Peter, Catherine’s husband, needed to make phone calls to multiple doctor’s offices because of Catherine’s particular case. After meeting with Jillian, it was clear very quickly that she would be able to navigate Catherine’s care and facilitate coordination between all of her doctor’s offices.
- “I called Jillian one day when Catherine was really sick and explained that she needed to be seen but was not in a position to wait eleven plus hours in the Emergency Room. Jillian worked with the providers and staff in the hospital to direct admit Catherine into a room on the oncology floor and ensure she got the medical attention she needed. She even coordinated with one of Catherine’s providers to have her check in with Catherine while she was in the hospital.” –Peter Hastings
- For Peter, as the primary caregiver, he found that Jillian always went above and beyond. They noted that Jillian has navigated every difficult situation in a short amount of time and continued to keep track of Catherine’s progress and care.
The role of a nurse navigator closes the gap and provides a better experience for someone who is going through a difficult time with cancer. They help to eliminate barriers and make the communication seamless, as if everyone on a care team works in one department. The relationships that nurse navigators build with patients are unique. During treatment, patients build trust with their nurse navigator and have the ability to ask questions at any time, when needed.
So, I, Scott Doner, will put in the hard work and discomfort of pedaling the 50 miles, as well as my own financial contribution, and encourage you to join me in financially supporting this cause. Or oven better, sign up, make a contribution and join me in this ride if you are able.
Scott Doner
