7 minute read
What's Your "Why AON" Story?
What's Your "Why AON" Story?
“I am a dedicated professional who aims to make a positive impact on people's lives every day. My position at AON allows me to fulfill this goal, and I am proud to be a part of this team. Our laboratory is devoted to providing patientcentered care, and this inspires me to work harder. At AON, we hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure that our tests are top-notch. What I find most valuable is the kindness and respect that are evident among our team and throughout the organization.”
- Gerardo Almanza, HTL, HT (ASCP), Histology Technologist
“I chose to work at AON because the growth of the company was a big draw for me. I wanted to be a part of the building process. I am inspired by the teamwork of the entire staff at our lab. It is something I haven’t seen at other labs. Every department steps up when another needs help. We’re better able to give our patients the care they deserve because of our team’s ability to come together and help one another. While the supervisor role can be challenging for me at times, I enjoy using it for personal growth, and I like to see it as a way I can serve the people around me, which is what I love most about working for AON and in my role.”
- Julie Best, CG (ASCP)CM, MB (ASCP)CM, Supervisor - Genetics
“I have been associated with cancer research as a research data coordinator for the last few years. Working in this role has allowed me to stay connected to the medical field and learn about all the various treatment options that are being developed for oncology patients. I have also discovered that AON plays an integral role in providing physicians with all the best treatment options for their patients across the country. I truly appreciate being a member of our research team. I enjoy working with the various clinical sites that provide such compassionate care and support to our patients and their families. WHY AON? WHY NOT AON! I was allowed to work for one of the best oncology companies in the country, and I took it!”
- Carrie Browning, Research Data Coordinator
“My why is that I believe in the community oncology experience for patients, and I want to make sure that I can keep that environment a financially viable option.”
- Taylor Garrett, Director Financial Reporting & Analysis
“AON offers me the chance to contribute by assisting the dedicated teams of healthcare professionals and researchers who are tirelessly involved in the complex work of initiating and overseeing clinical trials. Facilitating the accessibility of these trials in the community is of utmost importance, and AON plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal for our patients. It is immensely fulfilling to hear about the achievements of study participants and the approval of new drugs. I take great pride in knowing that my AON research colleagues played a role in making these successes possible.”
- Katie Goodman, RN, Vice President of Clinical Research
“October 2016, I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer that metastasized to my liver. Fourteen operations and seven years later, I am working with the man who prolonged my life. Dr. Raja Mehdi at Hope Cancer Care of Nevada was the provider who answered my surgeon's phone call the same day I found out I had cancer. He saw me even though his clinic was already closed and walked me through the hardest day of my life. I went from working in one of the largest marketing firms in the United States to going into an industry that I never expected to be working in. Three practices, four states and three providers later, my career became my passion project. Because of AON, I am now a COA-CPAN leader who travels to Washington D.C. I have started two support groups in different states and have raised $65,000 for patient survivorship at a Las Vegas Aviator's game. I am involved with events like the Clinical Summit conference and development department meetings. I also am an American Cancer Society Legislative Leader. My providers have done over 100 CMECE educational programs and have visited the capital with ASCO. So, why AON? Well, the answer is simple. It is because I am a patient, I am a survivor, and I am community oncology.”
- Sunshine Maracle, Physician Liaison for Hope Cancer Care of Nevada, Heartland Oncology & Hematology and Gem State Cancer & Blood Specialists
“I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer when I was 36 years old. Immediately, I decided to focus on being positive and intentional and made it through treatment and reconstruction in what seemed like a blink of an eye. In fact, just this month, I rang the “celebration bell” in the Flagstaff clinic to mark my fifth chemo anniversary. Dr. Peter Mathern and the amazing team at the Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona are the reason why I am still here! There is truly not a day that goes by that I do not thank God for him and the staff. Before my diagnosis and post-treatment, I called on Dr. Mathern professionally in a similar liaison role for the hospital system in Northern Arizona. When the opportunity presented itself to be the physician liaison for his clinic, I was overjoyed. Who would be better to be out encouraging the community and referring physicians to trust their patients to Dr. Mathern than me? It excites me to do this work and encourages me to do more. AON is comprised of amazing physicians like Dr. Mathern, and while I don’t know them all, I am certain that they are impacting lives, just like mine daily.”
- Ana Ortega, Physician Liaison for Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona and Desert Hematology Oncology
“I was diagnosed with stage IV bilateral kidney cancer at the age of five, and even now as a survivor, the lasting side effects still impact me greatly during my day-to-day life. When I began working for AON in June of 2021, it quickly reminded me that every individual, regardless of what they’ve faced, truly does have a purpose. Being able to combine my passion for art as a graphic designer with my passion for patient advocacy has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. I am continuously impressed with how far we have come in medical advancements and patient care, and I am proud of the work I do for AON. Waking up for a job you truly love and enjoy is rare, and I am so thankful to be able to continue doing it every day. I hope to represent AON long into the future.”
- Leah Riggle, Graphic Designer
“A little over two years ago I received the opportunity to join a growing oncology research program with AON. The main attraction to the position was and remains to be AON’s physician-led model. My heart is oncology research, and the opportunity to work in this field is very important to me. Our research data team is small but mighty, management support is real, and the clinic staff I work with daily are amazing. Why else AON? This position allows me to work from home. Having a work-life balance that fits our family dynamic is an added benefit and blessing!”
- Tanya Roberts, Research Data Coordinator
