In my role at Karmanos Cancer Center, I work as a palliative care oncology social worker. I provide psychosocial support, community resources, and care coordination to individuals across the continuum of care. My work ranges from supporting individuals who were recently diagnosed to supporting individuals living with advanced cancer. While it is not the experience for everyone diagnosed with cancer, I specifically support many individuals with very serious illness and significant cancer progression; in these circumstances, I support patients by facilitating conversations about their wishes for end-of-life care through a lens of compassion, dignity, and empathy. 

On a daily basis, I bear witness to the impact of cancer on patients, families, and their entire support system. Cancer impacts so many different domains of one's life, and it is vital that people have access to quality resources to support them throughout their cancer journeys. I am honored to partner with the American Cancer Society as a 2024 Spotlight Honoree to give back to the community I care so deeply about and to work towards building greater support & resources for individuals affected by cancer. Each day of my work, I hold space for the stories and experiences of oncology patients and how they have navigated tremendous challenges. It is a gift to companion such brave individuals during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives. While I recognize their resiliency and courage, I also find myself wishing that cancer did not have to be a part of their life's story. For this reason, I also value partnering with the American Cancer Society to bolster funding for cancer research and to work towards a world without cancer.

In addition to my role at Karmanos, I provide individual psychotherapy services as a mental health therapist in the community. I also see the benefits of peer support for building a sense of community and feeling less isolated in one's experience; thus, I facilitate two support groups for individuals navigating grief, loss, and serious illness. Outside of my role as a clinical social worker, I find a lot of joy in my role as a barre instructor at Barre3 in Metro Detroit, creating a space for individuals to care for their minds & bodies in a supportive fitness environment. 

Overall, my work in the field of oncology has taught me many lessons over the years, providing my life with perspective in a highly meaningful way. Some of the most important takeaways that I have learned from patients themselves have been learning to find gratitude in the little moments of joy in each day and truly valuing the beauty of human connection.  I graciously thank you for nominating me as a Spotlight Honoree, and I thank all supporters of ACS who contribute to building a better future for all impacted by cancer.