An Advocate For You, And You, And You…

I’ve always been interested in how healthcare teams communicate. 

In college, I took healthcare communication courses and volunteered at the local hospital’s public affairs department.

Then, in my last year of college, my sister was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer; the summer after I graduated, she had a bone marrow transplant. The hospital where she was treated taught me how to take care of her, administer shots, take her vitals and hook up her IVs. I was her home healthcare nurse and stayed most days and nights in the hospital with her — and there were many, many nights over 18 months. Fortunately, I was able to take the time away from work — thanks to the tremendous fundraising support spearheaded by family, her sorority and close friends. 

Through this experience, I saw first-hand how important it is to not be alone. To have an advocate with you, to care for you, and even help you have fun when your health situation isn’t fun. But it takes a healthcare village. Getting the right diagnosis is everything – but having the right advocates is just as important. 

I was also reminded that communication can be hard. Sometimes it’s hard among family members who have known each other their whole lives; sometimes even communication with colleagues is hard. Healthcare is no different. Add in the often unclear world of biology and science — coupled with the emotions of a scared family and patient — clear communication gets that much harder.  It’s why every patient needs advocates. Personal advocates and entire groups of advocates.

My sister died. But she left living in me the spirit and drive to help others. I’m not a doctor. I’m not an RN. I have no academic medical training. What I have is personal on-the-job experience, a lot of passion, and – frankly – an over-developed sense of team. It’s why I chose to work in a field that allows me to stay connected to the patient. It’s my why.

Clear communication is hard. Sometimes we all need a partner or advocate to share our stories/feelings/information better. It’s what keeps me going even when I’m tired and the days are long.

I work at Real Chemistry. I am a Client Relationship Leader. I lead a large multi-disciplinary integrated marketing communication team for the biopharma and life sciences industry. But my job is patient and science advocate. Because I believe in the power of science to help us all live better lives, longer. But that power is only helpful if the communities and patients we serve know about resources and can access them. 

That’s where I come in.