Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Fall 2005)

In the midst of treatment for his leukemia, German Mejia’s health wasn’t his first concern.

“The nurse asked me how I was feeling and I told her I had a lot of stress,” says the 51-year-old Guatemalan native. “I was worried about paying the bills, taking care of my family and losing my apartment.”

Despite all they are going through physically, cancer patients are often more challenged by the issues beyond medical treatments. The Patient Navigator Program is a free outreach and education program that helps Larimer County patients and their families facing cancer deal with these issues so they can stay focused on their health.

“When I was first given German’s case, he thought he was being evicted,” says Lisa Adams, one of two patient navigators with the program. “Here he is in the middle of chemotherapy and he thinks he has to find a new place to live.”

Adams quickly discovered that Mejia’s landlord wasn’t evicting him, she just thought he didn’t want to renew his lease.

“It was simply a miscommunication,” Adams says. “Once I explained the situation to her, she not only renewed his lease, she actually lowered his rent.”

The financial impact of cancer is often one of the most difficult for patients.

“All the bills were very confusing,” says Mejia, gesturing to the neat piles of opened envelopes next to his couch. “I want to pay them, but I needed help.”

Adams, who visits her clients in their homes if that is the most comfortable for them, has secured grants for Mejia and contacted healthcare providers about setting up payment plans. She had also connected him with a nutritionist to create a meal plan for him and offered information about groups and individuals who could offer German and his family support during his battle with cancer. While patient navigators don’t give medical advice, Adams can help patients explore treatment options and complementary healthcare options.

The Patient Navigator Program was developed by experienced professionals and cancer survivors to provide credible information, increase access to quality care and reduce the stress that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. It is funded by several organizations and private donations through the Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation.

“Every cancer diagnosis has some sort of support behind it,” Adams says. “We help people tap into all the resources that are out there for them.  When I first meet with them, I ask what their biggest concern is and we take it from there.”

For Mejia, the Navigator Program has taken him far beyond his initial concerns. Although his last check-up showed no signs of cancer and his prognosis is good, he looks forward to having Adams help him navigate the aftermath of his disease.

“I am so grateful for everything that Lisa has done for me,” Mejia says. “I know there is always someone there who wants to help me.”