Oregon Providence Cancer Institute Philanthropy Report 2025
Dear friends and partners,
Providence Cancer Institute was founded with the belief that harnessing the power of our own bodies was the way to fight cancer. Because of your generosity, that vision was realized: Immunotherapy has become a foundational pillar of cancer treatment.
In just three decades, we have grown from a handful of researchers located in a small lab within Providence Portland Medical Center into an internationally recognized center of excellence with hundreds of scientists and clinicians working in an 11-story cancer tower.
Each year, we care for almost 6,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients in 32 clinics and eight hospitals. Research and clinical trials conducted by Providence researchers have contributed to the development of numerous life-saving therapies, and our institute has had an outsized impact on the practice of oncology.
And the best part? It’s all right here in Oregon, close to home, benefiting Providence patients.
Their stories are included here so that you, a dedicated partner, can witness the very human impact of your gifts.
With deep gratitude,
R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., FACS, FRCS(Ed)
Executive Medical Director, Providence Cancer Institute Director and Member, Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
Walter J. Urba Endowed Chair for Cancer Research
“Donors are the very heart of our work, powering nearly 70% of Providence Cancer Institute’s research. With you, we will finish cancer.”
Providence recognized nationally for excellence
Providence Cancer Institute is a principal provider of cancer care for patients across Oregon and a global leader in immuno-oncology.
Awards and Recognition
Providence Cancer Institute
Becker’s Hospital Review 100+ Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs | 2024 – Recognized for excellence
U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 High-Performing Hospital - Categories recognized: Colon cancer surgery; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; lung cancer surgery; and prostate cancer surgery
American College of Surgeons - Commission on Cancer Accreditation and National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer
American Society for Radiation Oncology® - Accreditation Program for Excellence
American Society of Clinical Oncology – Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Certification
Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy – Accredited
International Cardio-Oncology Society - Center of Excellence Certification
National Pancreas Foundation - Pancreatic Center of Excellence
Providence Portland Medical Center
U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 High-Performing Hospital – Rated as high-performing in one adult specialty and 13 procedures and conditions
U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Regional Hospital – Ranked #3 in Oregon and in the Portland metropolitan area
Magnet-designated Hospital – Highest honor for professional nursing excellence, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
Cover image: Melissa Sayyah, operations manager for Providence Cancer Institute in Newberg; Julie Donovan, cancer survivor, and Elissa Johnson, RN, Providence Cancer Institute in Newberg oncology nurse navigator. See page 18 for their story.
Providence Cancer Institute: Continuing a legacy of leadership
R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., takes helm at Providence Cancer Institute
A tradition of bold and courageous leadership continues. R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., FACS, FRCS(Ed), is now steering Providence Cancer Institute as the new executive medical director. Dr. Bell was appointed in November 2024 after the retirement of Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., the institute’s longtime leader and founder.
Providence Oregon Chief Executive Jennifer Burrows said, “Dr. Bell’s deep commitment to the growth of our cancer programs is surpassed only by his steadfast service to his patients. He lives our Mission in caring for our most vulnerable patients.”
A head and neck surgical oncologist, researcher and educator who was recruited to Providence in 2009, Dr. Bell now leads Providence oncology services and research teams throughout Oregon. He is also a member and director of Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence Cancer Institute, and the Walter J. Urba Endowed Chair for Cancer Research.
“Together, we will build on our history of pioneering research and translate the next generation of immunotherapies from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside,” said Dr. Bell.
Bernard A. Fox, Ph.D., receives lifetime achievement award
One of Providence Cancer Institute’s long-standing researchers, Bernie Fox, Ph.D., was honored with the 2024 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Fox has committed his career to advancing cancer research through preclinical model investigations, immunotherapy trials and the education of new researchers. He currently holds the Harder Family Endowed Chair for Cancer Research and leads the Molecular and Tumor Immunology Laboratory.
Dr. Fox said, “My training prepared me, but it was the Sisters of Providence and Oregon philanthropists who gave us the opportunity to pursue our research. I’ve never been more optimistic about the potential of our work to finish cancer.”
(Top) Dr. Bryan Bell will continue championing immuno-oncology, translational research and innovation, along with cancer prevention and equitable access to cancer care.
(Bottom) Dr. Bernie Fox has dedicated three decades to advancing immunotherapy research and education.
Artificial intelligence is transforming cancer care
In a series of groundbreaking advancements, Providence Cancer Institute is using artificial intelligence to identify tumors, revolutionize access to clinical trials and recommend specific precision cancer therapies.
Donor gifts launched a collaboration among Carlo B. Bifulco, M.D., and Brian D. Piening, Ph.D., of Providence Cancer Institute and colleagues at both Microsoft and the University of Washington. They pioneered the development of a new AI-driven oncology instrument called Prov-GigaPath to evaluate pathology images, automatically distinguish tumor types, and predict underlying mutations. When the model was tested, the results were striking: Prov-GigaPath far outpaced other systems like it.
“Powered by AI, Prov-GigaPath’s whole-slide modeling capabilities deliver new insights, advancing research and diagnostics. This tool will give clinicians valuable information for treatment selection.”
— Dr. Carlo Bifulco
To develop and train the tool, the Providence team created an image database of unprecedented scale. With your support, they digitized 1.3 billion images from more than 170,000 tumor tissue slides contributed by over 30,000 patients using highthroughput microscope scanners and fed these images into the model.
Prov-GigaPath will help personalize oncology treatments
These innovations will help enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy, may provide insights into tumor mutations and the tumor microenvironment, and could help predict treatment selection for patients. As a result, caregivers will be able to act sooner and provide patients with more personalized and targeted therapies, driving better results.
Prov-GigaPath was trained with 1.3 billion image tiles from 30,000 Providence patients.
AI technology can increase trial participation, promoting equity and improved outcomes
Caregivers at Providence Cancer Institute are also using AI innovations to tackle a persistent challenge in clinical trials: highly specific enrollment criteria. It’s difficult for patients to find trials suitable for their particular cancer and genetic profiles. The search requires considerable time, significant resources and expert knowledge.
“Donors have a direct impact in this exciting new world; philanthropy is the key to propelling the technology forward.”
—
Dr. Bryan Bell, executive medical director of Providence Cancer Institute
AI streamlines the process of seeking matches by checking vast amounts of patient data against the criteria for all open trials. The technology offers new possibilities for Providence patients and reduces disparities in trial access, promoting greater equity in care.
Genomic
profiling helps guide therapy selection
Your gifts have also been instrumental in revealing unseen treatment opportunities for patients. This is particularly true for those who will benefit from personalized therapies based on genetic mutations of their cancer rather than where it is in the body.
While many cancer care facilities analyze tumor data for 50 to 60 genetic variations, Providence cancer patients with advanced cancer may receive profiling for more than 520 genes. That matters: In a seminal study assessing the results of Providence’s extensive genomic profiling, half of the patients had a mutation treatable with a specific therapy, and half could enter a clinical trial, both of which are associated with improved patient outcomes.
(Top) Thanks to you, Prov-GigaPath, an open source tool, is available online at no cost and has been downloaded more than 1.8 million times by researchers and physicians around the world.
(Bottom) Dr. Brian Piening, program director, Providence Genomics and associate member and chief, Immunogenomics Laboratory, and Dr. Carlo Bifulco, chief medical officer, Providence Genomics and member and director of translational molecular pathology, stand next to Xenium Analyzer, a genomics tool crucial to their AI work.
Research initiatives improve patient outcomes and standard of care treatment
Kristina H. Young, M.D., Ph.D., awarded prestigious National Institutes of Health grant
Kristina H. Young, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded a R01 research grant from the National Institutes of Health, which will provide $2.6 million over five years. Donors share in this accomplishment: Your gifts helped fund the equipment, time and resources needed to develop proof-of-concept research for the project.
The study aims to identify the specific groups of immune cells responsible for controlling tumor growth following radiation and determine where they reside over time. Results will help guide the combination of radiation and immunotherapy treatments. This research has broad implications that could rapidly change patient care protocols.
Treatment reduces head and neck cancer mortality rates for the first time in 50 years
For more than a decade, Providence Cancer Institute researchers have worked to move immunotherapy earlier in cancer treatment. Recently, they helped develop and then participated in a global phase 3 clinical trial evaluating this approach versus standard of care in patients with head and neck cancer, a disease in which fewer than half of patients survive.
Data from this trial demonstrated markedly improved results for patients who had immunotherapy earlier. There was a meaningful reduction in mortality for this group - the first positive achievement in outcomes in a generation. Results were published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, and the approach was approved by the FDA in June, establishing a new standard of care for the first time in decades.
You share this positive outcome as supporters of our research.
“We believed that stimulating the immune system to fight cancer before surgery – and before it had a chance to metastasize – would make tumors more susceptible to conventional treatment, reduce recurrences and improve survival,” said Dr. Bryan Bell, Providence’s lead investigator. “We are thrilled our decades-long research will mean real progress for patients.”
by Dr.
and Dr. Bryan
supported by your generous gifts, is producing positive results for cancer patients.
Research
Kristina Young (pictured)
Bell,
Your support for phase 1 clinical trials is driving discovery and hope
Randy Ridgley was devastated to learn that standard treatments had stopped working against his aggressive form of lung cancer. At Providence Cancer Institute, he was able to enroll in a national clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of combining two experimental medicines. Randy was the first person in the world to receive this treatment.
He had a complete response – current tests cannot find any remaining cancer. Your gifts supported the critical phase 1 clinical trial work giving patients like Randy another lease on life. “Home run” examples like his are rare, but each study and every brave patient who takes part mark a significant step forward.
“Cancer will never have a cure without clinical trials. I want to help develop safe, practical treatments. Even if a trial fails, something is learned,” said Randy.
You are part of the team advancing cancer research
Donors play a vital role, funding nearly 70% of our research. Providence patients, particularly those who do not respond to standard treatments, may be able to participate in clinical trials offered almost nowhere else. In fact, 20% of our patients are enrolled in clinical trials – almost three times the national average – giving them access to innovative therapies. The results of this clinical research are often translated directly into improvements in the standard of care for patients.
Your support is allowing physician-researchers like Rachel E. Sanborn, M.D., to investigate new ideas and novel therapies. She serves as medical director for Providence Cancer Institute’s Clinical Research, Franz Cancer Clinic, Thoracic Oncology Program and Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program, and leads one of the largest portfolios of early-phase clinical trials on the West Coast.
Because of you, Providence Cancer Institute has the resources to retain leadership in the development and operation of phase 1 studies, including specially trained technicians, safety managers and staff able to deliver complicated and innovative treatments. Patients like Randy are profoundly grateful.
Randy Ridgley received an experimental combination of two medications and current tests cannot find any remaining cancer. Now cancer-free, Randy is pictured with his wife, Pat, and puppy, Lucy.
Creating Hope, Providence Cancer Institute’s annual fundraiser, recently raised more than $860,000 to support lung cancer research and clinical trials. Scan to learn more about lung cancer research.
ACT research drives up life expectancy and delivers FDA approval
Providence researchers led by Brendan D. Curti, M.D., Bernie A. Fox, Ph.D., and Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., began testing adoptive cell therapy, often known as ACT, in patients beginning in the 1990s.
There are many types of cells within tumors, but the ones with the greatest cancer fighting abilities are a type of immune cell called T cells. Today, investigators at our institute collect samples from a patient’s tumor and separate the T cells from the cancer cells, fortifying them in the lab to enhance their cancer-fighting abilities. A few thousand T cells are grown into the billions and then returned to the patient intravenously. This type of adoptive cell therapy is called tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy.
In partnership with other investigators, Dr. Curti, medical director of several cancer programs at Providence Cancer Institute and the Robert W. Franz Endowed Chair for Clinical Research, led a pivotal clinical trial at Providence Cancer Institute studying lifileucel, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy product that has taken over 40 years to develop. Researchers found the treatment resulted in significant and prolonged tumor shrinkage in patients with inoperable or metastatic melanoma whose cancer progressed after checkpoint immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Lifileucel recently received accelerated U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for metastatic melanoma. This advancement was made possible by our researchers in collaboration with others across the U.S., by our brave patients and by you.
When cancer institute researchers like Drs. Curti and Urba started, patients with metastatic melanoma had a six- to 12-month life expectancy. Now, 50% of patients are alive a decade later. This type of improvement in overall survival is unprecedented in the history of oncology, but we still have a long way to go to #FinishCancer.
By combining our researchers’ ability to develop, manufacture and administer adoptive cell therapies with the strength of our genomics team – which identifies individuals who might benefit – our patients have access to innovative therapies. Your gifts provide vital resources that help drive exciting advancements like lifileucel and the new hope they bring.
Dr. Brendan Curti (right), director of the Melanoma Program, Cytokine and Adoptive Immunotherapy and Genitourinary Oncology Research at Providence Cancer Institute, with Mark Williams. Mark experienced complete remission of his metastatic melanoma 18 years ago because of treatment with interleukin-2, an immunotherapy.
A selection of Providence Cancer Institute’s ACT research targets and immunotherapy initiatives
Numerous investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored studies are underway at Providence Cancer Institute, including:
T-cell receptor gene therapy
Providence scientists are pioneering studies using T cells (immune cells) that are genetically engineered to recognize common genomic alterations in a patient’s tumor and eliminate the cancer.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy
TILs are white blood cells that fight cancer inside a tumor. Providence researchers contributed to the development of the first commercially available treatment, lifileucel, and are working to make this form of adoptive cell therapy more effective.
Double-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte research
This subset of TILs, discovered by Providence Cancer Institute researchers, can kill cancer in the laboratory and are currently being tested in patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors.
Checkpoint immunotherapies
Study continues on these medicines, designed to block proteins that prevent the immune system from effectively attacking cancer. Dr. Walter Urba, founder of Providence Cancer Institute, led the global trial of ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor to show an improvement in survival for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Fas ligand research
We recently began a phase 1 clinical trial evaluating a drug targeting Fas ligand that was developed at Providence Cancer Institute. This therapy is designed to protect immune system cells and allow them to fight cancer more effectively.
You are giving patients agency and privacy
Research and scientific progress are critical aspects of the universal fight against cancer. So are advancements in patient care – because every cancer journey is a personal one.
Hair loss is one of the most visible side effects of cancer treatment, often signaling to the outside world what someone is privately navigating. Beyond the physical change, it can carry an emotional weight, affecting self-image, confidence and sense of identity. For many, losing their hair serves as a daily reminder of their diagnosis.
“Keeping my hair during chemotherapy provided me with a sense of privacy and normalcy during a time when everything else felt beyond my control.”
— Sarah Liebler, a Providence breast cancer survivor
Most chemotherapy options for breast cancer cause patients to lose their hair. A newer technology called scalp cooling works by having a patient don a special cap. It connects to a machine, which cools the scalp and narrows blood vessels, temporarily decreasing blood flow to the area. This action reduces the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches the hair follicles, helping the scalp hair stay intact during treatment.
Your generous support of scalp cooling units helped more than 100 patients retain their hair, easing their way and giving them the agency to choose when to share their personal health story. Scalp cooling units have not been covered by insurance. But your gift allowed patients who could not afford them to access the technology and maintain a familiar appearance, which boosted their confidence when so many other side effects may have been unavoidable.
(Top) Sarah Liebler participated in a scalp cooling trial as a Providence patient with breast cancer.
(Bottom) “This photo was after eight rounds of chemotherapy. I never really lost more hair than this, thanks to the scalp cooling,” said Sarah.
Progress in research means progress for patients
Your gifts are supporting Providence Cancer Institute researchers, who are driving solutions forward for patients with breast cancer.
Sasha E. Stanton, M.D., Ph.D., is leading pioneering studies to intercept and treat premalignant breast lesions through the development of a novel vaccine designed to destroy them; it would also prevent future development of invasive breast cancers of any subtype.
Dr. Stanton is also working to create a new vaccine that will prevent breast cancer in people who don’t have evidence of the disease but are high-risk due to gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
David B. Page, M.D., MS, is a breast cancer oncologist who investigates how immunotherapy can be used to improve outcomes in breast cancer. Said Dr. Page, “Our ambitious goal is to replace toxic chemotherapies with immunotherapy as a curative treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer, reducing long-term side effects but improving the likelihood of a cure in this aggressive disease.”
At a recent international breast cancer conference, Dr. Page and collaborators presented positive trial results showing that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, when added to chemotherapy, improved the rate of complete tumor response by 19%. Patients with complete tumor response are highly likely to be cured, whereas patients without it are at higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Drs. Page and Stanton are also using high-tech tools to identify patterns of immune cells in pretreatment tumor biopsies that will predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy.
“We envision a future where we can have a ‘personalized’ look at a patient’s tumor and tell them, ‘Yes, you can be cured’ with immunotherapy, or `No, that’s not the right approach.’ “
— Dr. Sasha Stanton
(Top) Dr. Sasha Stanton is working on breast cancer vaccines designed to attack cancer before it can take hold in the body.
(Bottom) Dr. David Page is investigating the introduction of immunotherapy earlier in the treatment cycle of breast cancer and combining it with other approaches.
Hirings and promotions at Providence Cancer Institute
You help us recruit, retain and develop the best and brightest caregivers, clinicians and laboratory technicians.
Providence Cancer Institute is a world-class cancer center dedicated to translating the next generation of immunotherapies from the lab bench to the bedside, delivered to our patients right here where they live.
Because of the work of our teams, Oregonians have often had access to lifesaving treatments years before they were widely available. Because of your steadfast support and investments in this work, countless lives have been saved and families kept intact.
Fighting cancer requires highly qualified people with vision, talent and expertise to uncover and deliver innovative therapies. Following are some of the latest additions and promotions to the role of associate member at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence Cancer Institute. An associate member at the institute is the equivalent of an associate professor at a university. Being named to this position means the individual has made substantial contributions to science and developed a national reputation as an expert in their field.
Each one of these individuals embodies Providence’s promise to our patients - know me, care for me, ease my way - as they conduct research and deliver exceptional, compassionate care.
Additions
Prakash Ambady, M.D. , medical director for Providence Neuro-Oncology Program at Providence Neuroscience Institute, has been named an associate member, and Allie H. Grossmann, M.D., Ph.D., joined Providence as an associate member.
Promotions
Thomas M. Duhen, Ph.D. , David B. Page, M.D., MS , and Matthew H. Taylor, M.D. , have been promoted to associate members at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute.
“The groundbreaking work of our exceptional scientists, physicians, researchers and specialized caregivers enables us to build on our long and storied history of transformational immuno-oncology research.”
— Dr. Bryan Bell, Executive Medical Director, Providence Cancer Institute
Dr. Ambady has made substantial contributions to neurooncology through clinical care, research and publications. His work spans various aspects of brain tumor treatment, imaging and care delivery. Dr. Ambady is a principal investigator on at least five clinical trials and is actively pursuing collaborations with Earle A. Chiles Research Institute faculty.
Dr. Grossmann launched the Providence Cancer Signaling and Immunosuppressive Trafficking Laboratory. She studies tumor immunology from the tumor’s perspective as an invader, focusing on advancing understanding of how tumors communicate, grow, survive and spread. Dr. Grossmann also supports patient care at Providence as an anatomic and molecular pathologist.
Dr. Duhen’s expertise in T-cell biology has enabled him to build a highly productive and well-regarded research program. He has made significant contributions to the field of tumor immunology and his discoveries are helping to advance adoptive cellular therapy and other innovative approaches to immunotherapy.
Dr. Page has demonstrated continued excellence and productivity in developing immunotherapy for both early-stage and late-stage breast cancer. His work in triple-negative breast cancer has included innovative neoadjuvant clinical trial development and the institution of multi-center clinical trials.
Dr. Taylor has shown outstanding leadership in research and cancer therapeutics. He developed a novel monoclonal antibody targeting the protein Fas ligand. It is now being tested in a phase 1 clinical trial at Providence Cancer Institute with the goal of enhancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
Jerseys and wine: Grateful patients and families creatively give back
In a heartfelt tribute to loved ones and the exceptional care at Providence, two families found creative ways to support cancer research and treatment.
Soccer jersey tells a story, supports research
When Drake Ramberg considered how he could best give back to those who helped him through cancer treatment, he turned to his strength: designing soccer jerseys.
During his tenure at Nike, Drake created iconic jerseys for some of the world’s most renowned athletic teams, including Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. He chose to produce a special soccer-styled shirt to raise money for Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in support of cancer research. “I wanted to show my appreciation for all the great people who supported me,” Drake said.
Diagnosed with lymphoma, Drake chose Providence for its expertise and personalized care. “It is a great hospital with great people who have all the right expertise and technology. I was really glad Providence had that level of skill and specialty,” he said. Drake collaborated with an apparel company to produce jerseys inspired by his iconic design for Arsenal Football Club.
Drake believes a well-designed soccer jersey tells a story –a time, a place, a feeling. “And I certainly have a story to tell,” he said. Sold worldwide, the jerseys quickly gained popularity, with Nike matching the funds raised.
Drake Ramberg is wearing the jersey he created to support the fight against cancer.
Your gift makes a difference! There are many ways to support advancements in research and cancer care at Providence Cancer Institute, including:
• Cash and cryptocurrency
• Appreciated securities
• IRA qualified charitable distributions
• Gifts from private foundations or donor advised funds
• Estate planning
• Real estate
• Business assets
Cooper Ridge’s Hilary Ann wine raises awareness and benefits patients
Similarly, Steve Wilson, owner of Cooper Ridge Vineyard, wanted to find a way to honor his late niece Hilary Ann Rickher, who passed away from breast cancer shortly before her 44th birthday. Hilary was a spirited individual known for her athletic prowess, dedication to family and work as a special agent for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Steve and his wife, Paula, released the red wine “Hilary Ann” to honor her memory and raise awareness for breast cancer and support research at Providence Cancer Institute. Proceeds also benefit Providence’s Dwight and Patricia Parr Cancer Treatment Fund, aiding cancer patients facing financial hardship. “I didn’t know what to say or what to do,” said Steve. “But I know how to make wine.”
Despite the aggressive nature of Hilary’s cancer, her husband, James Rickher, recalls her admiration for the care she received at Providence. “The story doesn’t have a happy ending,” James said, “but Hilary marveled at the kindness and personal attention.” He said she would have supported the endeavor. “She was a very giving person,” James said.
“Finding a way to help others is something she would have endorsed. She would have been very pleased.”
— James Rickher
Whether through a beautifully designed jersey or a bold and character-rich wine that reflects its namesake, these heartfelt and creative contributions to cancer research and patient support services are making a positive difference for others. Drake, Steve, Paula and James are extending exceptional care to more patients – and inspiring hope.
The Hilary Ann wine honors the late Hilary Rickher and raises awareness and funding for breast cancer.
Nurse navigators walk with cancer patients
It’s hard to convey the overwhelming nature of a cancer diagnosis, as survivor Julie Donovan knows. Thanks to your gifts, she had someone walking alongside her. With donor support, Providence patients are provided with an oncology nurse navigator.
Cancer care has grown more effective – and more complicated. Nurse navigators are a patient’s primary support through their journey, explaining the diagnosis, providing emotional support and assessing barriers to care. They also coordinate testing and provide education about treatments like chemotherapy. The position improves patient outcomes while relieving anxiety.
“Navigators are like compassionate travel guides and interpreters on a trip to a foreign land that patients didn’t prepare for or intend to take.”
--
Elissa Johnson, RN, OCN, oncology nurse navigator
“It was all about feeling safe, answering my questions and making the steps easy, even though it was scary and I didn’t know the outcome,” Julie said of Elissa Johnson, RN, OCN, an oncology nurse navigator serving at Providence Newberg Medical Center. Melissa Sayyah, operations manager for Providence Cancer Institute in Newberg, noted that the first step the clinic takes after receiving a referral is for the navigator to make a “We’ve got you!” call. “To have somebody reach out, tell you the oncologist is reviewing your records and outline next steps is incredibly beneficial,“ she said.
Julie added, “I felt at home even though I was at the clinic getting treatment. It felt like family.“
Julie is pictured on the cover alongside Melissa Sayyah and Elissa Johnson.
Your gifts provide cancer patients access to myriad support programs, many of which insurance doesn’t cover.
Portland/Beaverton
Financial support
Integrative medicine
Nurse navigation
Nutrition services
Scalp cooling caps
Screening
Temporary housing
Hood River
Nutrition services
Resource library
Scalp cooling caps
Support group
Medford
Patient Compassion Fund
Scalp cooling caps
Newberg
Nurse navigation
Scalp cooling caps
Screening program
Seaside
Comfort care kits
Community Connections
transportation
Nurse navigation
Nutrition services
Scalp cooling caps
Willamette Falls
Comfort care kits
Nurse navigation
Nutrition services
Scalp cooling caps
Tuyen Tran, who lost her mom to cancer, found her calling in cancer outreach to minority communities.
