Oncology Navigators

John Stoddard Cancer Oncology Navigators are specially-trained oncology nurses and social workers who understand both the medical and emotional aspects of the cancer journey. The oncology navigator works hand-in-hand with the rest of TeamStoddard to help patients and their families understand and utilize all of the resources available to them within John Stoddard, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and the community. Their familiarity with the process allows them to identify and prepare patients for what is coming next, as well as equipping them to identify and meet needs as they arrive.

The main goal of each oncology navigator is to walk along with patients and families and guide them through the process, providing support and hope. The oncology navigator service is available to all patients at no cost. It is funded through philanthropy and represents Stoddard's commitment to providing comprehensive care to its patients and families. 

Programs Supported

Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths for adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 - 35. John Stoddard Cancer Center and Blank Children's Hospital have joined together to provide this group with specialized coordinated care.

Philanthropy helps provide these individuals and their care team with the resources they need to remain focused on the goals of delivering individualized care plans, increasing enrollment in clinical trials, providing access to resources, raising awareness and, as a result, improving outcomes for these patients.

Compassion Fund

The John Stoddard Cancer Center Compassion Fund provides additional support to patients and families beyond what the hospital is able to provide. This assistance is based on financial need and is designed to respond to the unique medical needs of patients and their families, which can include gas cards for those that travel far distances, overnight accommodations and special treatment-related dietary needs.

The Survivorship Program

The Stoddard Survivorship Program is designed to help provide support to those who have completed treatment so they can live the best life possible as a survivor. Those participating in the program begin with a one-on-one interview with an oncology certified nurse who reviews with survivors their treatments and long term side effects, their care plans for health promotion and maintenance, and reviews any concerns that the survivors have now that they are done with therapy that affect quality of life, such as financial concerns, emotional concerns, nutritional concerns. From there the nurse will help provide opportunities to meet their needs through the programs and services provided at John Stoddard Cancer Center, such as support groups, psychological counseling, nutritional counseling, financial counseling, genetic counseling, pastoral care, the Oncology Arts in Healing program, and Yoga. The Stoddard Survivorship Program is provided free of charge and is not reimbursed through insurance. It is supported with philanthropy from individuals, foundations, and organizations. 

Team Stoddard

To successfully tackle cancer, it takes an entire team working together to coordinate care and develop individualized game plans. At the center of every play is the patient, the family and the caregiver, who are surrounded by a dedicated team of nurses, physicians, oncology navigators, volunteers and support staff.

Team Stoddard is made up of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, dietitians, nurses, oncology navigators and counselors along with other important team members; all of whom are focused on bringing the best possible care to each and every patient. In recognition of their hard work and dedication to their patients and families, Team Stoddard was proud to receive the 2013 Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award.

History

Rally Against Cancer was created out of the love for a mother, Helen Hampton, who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. Her daughter, Kim Johnson, was so impressed with the treatment, compassion and overall coordinated care that her mother and her family received during Helen's battle with cancer that she approached the John Stoddard Cancer Center about establishing an event to raise money and awareness for the patients and families at John Stoddard Cancer Center.

This annual fundraising event includes a silent and live auction, dinner and presentation by a special guest speaker. Since 2002, Rally Against Cancer has netted nearly $3 million to support the programs and services John Stoddard Cancer Center provides to patients and families to help improve their quality of life throughout treatment and beyond.