Talk with an ally who has been there
Meet our certified patient and family support navigators
Our certified patient and family support navigators guide you through your screening, treatment, or survivorship journey, all to make life just a little easier. They not only understand the system, many have been in your shoes. Our patient and family support navigator program is the first of its kind in the colorectal cancer space. We’re here to help.
You can reach a navigator by calling our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030.
The Alliance's Patient & Family Support Navigators are certified in cancer care navigation principles and uphold the following core competencies:
- Support the overall cancer experience with attention to personalized resources, science-based information, and shared decision making
- Offer holistic, culturally competent, person-centered support services
- Maintain confidentiality, respect, and professionalism
- Identify social determinants & barriers to care and offer solutions
Meet the navigators
My journey as the caregiver to my husband, a 14-year stage 4 survivor, ended when he passed away suddenly in 2018 - still cancer-free. As a certified patient and family support navigator, each day I honor the journey by paying it forward helping others survive and thrive as we were once helped.
Valerie Awad
Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator
In 2019, I lost my father to CRC. I know what it’s like to walk hand in hand with someone who is fighting this disease. Our goal is to make sure that no one feels alone and their fight and to ensure that patients are given the best resources to live their best quality of life.
Paige Edmonds
Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator
As a stage III survivor, I take great pride in being a navigator for the Alliance. Someone on the other end of the call that understands what their journey will be like, makes the greatest difference. Hearing the amazing and positive impact that the Alliance has had on their lives makes the work that we do so much more valuable.
Marielle McLeod
Certified Bilingual Patient & Family Support Navigator, Hablo Español
I'm a 12-year stage IV young-onset CRC survivor and a patient navigator who has walked this path. It's an honor to help patients understand their diagnosis, options and to empower them to take an active role in making treatment decisions at the moment when they hear the words, "You have colorectal cancer."
Kim Newcomer
Senior Manager of Medical Advocacy & Community Engagement
I was told at age 22 that I would eventually need a permanent ileostomy due to FAP. If I knew then what I know now, I would have had so much more confidence about my diagnosis. I received my ostomy at age 30 and everything about life just keeps getting better! I love to share my knowledge to help others navigate their journey.
Stephanie Rouse
Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator
Concerns of coverage and cost come hand in hand with discussions of treatment plan options. As a Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator, I can facilitate those financial and insurance conversations, mitigating patient confusion and stress so their foremost focus can be on recovery.
Christin Sonneborn
Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator
Understanding the basics
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What is a navigator?
Our Patient & Family Support Navigators provide one-on-one guidance with colorectal cancer prevention and support during and after cancer treatment. Helping to eliminate barriers to timely screening, supportive care and grief support.
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How can a navigator help me?
Getting screened for colorectal cancer or being newly diagnosed can be overwhelming. Our navigators will help you make sense of your options and follow-up with you about next steps. Overall, a navigator helps patients manage their care.
Patient navigation is shown to improve outcomes and help ensure the best quality of life for those affected by colorectal cancer.
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How do I request a patient navigator to help me on my journey?
Call our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030 to speak with a Certified Patient & Family Support Navigator. We’re here to support and guide you through your screening and colorectal cancer journey.