American Cancer Society

Patient Navigator Program

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society (ACS) help newly diagnosed cancer patients navigate cancer care services.  Patient navigators are OHSU Knight Cancer Institute staff members who help patients and their families make use of ACS resources and other programs, such as financial assistance.

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s patient navigator, Sherry, has 33 years of experience in social services. She spends most of her time working with patients who need help coming to OHSU for treatment. Sherry helps them find lodging and transportation. She arranges financial assistance through our gas card program and other means.  She attends medical meetings to share information about patients’ needs with doctors and staff, and let them know what she can provide for patients.  Most patients are referred to Sherry by hospital staff, but she also visits treatment areas to see if patients need her services.

Look Good, Feel Better

Look Good Feel Better is a free service that helps women with cancer improve their appearance and self-esteem during treatment.  The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute hosts a regular Look Good, Feel Better program in the Center for Health and Healing , 7th floor. The program is managed by Gretchen Renggli.

Reach to Recovery

The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program helps people cope with the breast cancer experience from diagnosis for as long as cancer is a concern.  Talking with a trained Reach to Recovery volunteer can give patients comfort and help them make informed decisions.  Volunteers are breast cancer survivors who give patients and their families the chance to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns and ask questions of someone knowledgeable. Most importantly, Reach to Recovery volunteers offer understanding, support and hope because they have survived breast cancer and gone on to live normal, productive lives. The patient navigator and other social workers refer breast cancer patients to a Reach volunteer.

Road to Recovery

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program transports cancer patients to and from treatment. The program helps people who do not have a ride or are unable to drive. Volunteer drivers donate their time so patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need.

Cancer Resource Center:

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Patient Resource Center is staffed by American Cancer Society (ACS) volunteers. The ACS recruits and trains volunteers who help people with cancer find resources, from help finding wigs, prostheses and scarves to information on other ACS programs. Most patients are referred to the Cancer Resource Center by our patient navigator.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk:

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a Community Champion partner for this American Cancer Society walk. OHSU Knight Cancer Institute staff work with the ACS to put together an OHSU team of almost 100 walkers: survivors, family and friends and OHSU Knight Cancer Institute staff.  Our goal is to get as many people walking as possible in order to raise breast cancer awareness.