Adventist Health Sonora | Health Living | Spring 2020

AdventistHealthSonora.org • Healthy Living  5 We’re here for you. To learn more about Adventist Health Sonora’s cancer support services, call the Diana J. White Cancer Institute at 536-6940 . Helping patients is a privilege Few jobs could be more satisfying than theirs, say both Debbie Aventi and Susan Balcarcel. “Patients and their families facing cancer are under such stress,” says Aventi. “And it’s such an honor to be part of their lives at this vulnerable time—and to help someone feel cared for and safe on their cancer journey.” Balcarcel agrees: “It is just so emotionally fulfilling to give to our patients—and also to be inspired by how strong and resilient they so often are. The human spirit is amazing.” The couple had also just bought a new house, another financial burden. “I felt such a responsibility to care for my wife and family,” Chris says. “Worries kept me up at night. I couldn’t sleep.” Aventi was eager to help. “Chris is such a wonderful young man with so many stressors,” she says. “Not that every patient doesn’t touch our hearts, truly. But his situation was especially heartbreaking.” A lifeline for Chris Aventi referred Chris to Balcarcel, who provides family and individual counseling for cancer patients. She also matches patients with services at the hospital and in the community that can help them. Balcarcel arranged to have a full month of the couple’s mortgage paid with the help of Adventist Health Sonora’s Cancer Patient Support Fund. Every dollar donated helps cancer patients, like Chris, with unmet financial needs. She also put Chris in touch with a patient benefits advisor at the hospital, who helped him find more generous health insurance. As for the counseling, Balcarcel met with Chris and Jennifer first as a couple and then with Chris individually. “She has been such a wise and calming influence,” he says. “I developed a true bond with her.” A key reason for that bond may be how generous Balcarcel was with her time and support. “All through chemo, she showed up at the infusion center, just to check up on me and Jennifer,” Chris says. “I tried to be there for them even if they didn’t have a scheduled appointment,” Balcarcel says. “That way they could share any concern.” She adds: “The best job description for what Debbie and I do may be to help our patients in any way we can.” “The best job description for what Debbie and I do may be to help our patients in any way we can.” —Susan Balcarcel, R.N., M.F.T. Chris Ives talks with Debbie Aventi, oncology nurse navigator, (left) and Susan Balcarcel, nurse care manager, in front of the symbolic white cancer awareness ribbon made of origami birds in flight.