Oncology Social Worker and Survivor

Joselyn Hayes is an oncology social worker with the Cancer Program at Bryan Medical Center, where she has worked for 20 years. In her role, she provides support to cancer patients and their families by helping them reduce stress, cope with emotions due to their diagnosis, understand Social Security/disability/insurance benefits and apply for assistance programs.

Little did she know that one day she’d have her own cancer story to tell. Joselyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022. Her journey through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation has given her a unique perspective in helping patients and families.

Joselyn has been a certified social worker for 26 years. Her passion is in medical social work, as she has worked in hospitals, home health care and hospice. She holds a bachelor’s in social work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and master’s in teaching with a focus on language, literacy and culture from the University of Nebraska. She will graduate with her master’s in social work next spring from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Outside of work, Joselyn enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their children, Abby (13) and Ryan (11). They enjoy going for walks, biking, spending time with their two Shih Tzus, Howie and Bernie, vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and watching shows together. In her spare time, Joselyn also enjoys reading, journaling and lattes from The Mill.

How do oncology social workers help cancer patients?

• Provide education so patients can understand and cope with their diagnosis and treatment

• Offer supportive counseling to patients, their caregivers and families

• Provide information on how to access financial assistance

• Answer questions about social security, disability, insurance and advance directives

• Help arrange transportation to and from medical appointments

• Teach them to advocate for themselves and speak up with concerns and needs

Cancer patients can access Bryan social workers free of charge by calling 402-481-7900. This service will continue at the April Sampson Cancer Center.

April Sampson Cancer Center is grateful for generous donors in our community, such as:

Olsson is the engineering designer of the cancer center. The Lincoln-based engineering firm is also funding one of the new infusion bays with views overlooking a pond and green space.

An infusion bay is a place where folks spend a lot of time thinking and contemplating. They are there for an extended period of time, and we wanted to contribute to a positive element of that experience. Your heart goes out to those who are there. You want them to feel good while they’re in that space.

– John Olsson, executive vice president of consulting services and son of founder John E. Olsson

Address Service Requested

Cancer News will keep you up-to-date on comprehensive cancer services available now and in the future. April Sampson Cancer Center will open in less than a year.

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 4

Celebrate the survivors in your life by purchasing a ribbon in their honor for Bryan Medical Center East and West Campus tree displays in Lincoln. Funds support programs through the April Sampson Cancer Center.

Purchase ribbons online at bryanhealth.org/salutesurvivors

8-week exercise and wellness program for anyone recently diagnosed with cancer

Research shows LifeSpring participants experience significant improvement in their quality of life, especially helping with:

• Fatigue

• Pain

• Depression

• Strength

Patients can connect with others, share experiences and meet Bryan cancer care experts. Open to anyone diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.

• General Cancer Support Group

1st Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group

• Sleep

$100 per 8-week session – includes:

• Full LifePointe membership

• Exercise sessions twice per week

• Optional monthly support group

• Optional monthly cooking demo

Patients can call 402-481-6300 for more information or to register. Or visit: bryanhealth.org/lifespring

2nd Thursday of the month, 7-8 p.m., Bryan West Campus, 2300 S. 16th St.

• Cancer Cooking Demo

3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bryan LifePointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St.

• Thyroid Cancer Support Group

1st Saturday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m., Bryan Medical Plaza East Campus

Patients can call 402-481-7900 for more information or visit: bryanhealth.org/cancer-support-groups