Personal Battle Fuels Mission To Help Moffitt

When Rae Sawyer stepped into the medicine field, she never imagined that one day the battle against cancer would hit so close to home. As an interventional radiologist with a fellowship in body imaging, Sawyer spent over two decades diagnosing and treating patients — her days filled with the details of scans and biopsies. She was deeply involved in the world of cancer, yet it wasn't until the disease struck her own family that she fully understood its devastating reach.

One day, Sawyer’s son discovered a lump under his arm. What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, tests and ultimately, a terrifying diagnosis: stage 4 malignant melanoma. The journey was overwhelming, with multiple surgeries, radiation treatments and a frantic search for something, anything, that could save his life.

In 2013, when options seemed to be running out, Sawyer and her family turned to Moffitt Cancer Center, where a groundbreaking clinical trial for immunotherapy was underway. The hope that had almost slipped through their fingers was reignited. Her son was one of the first patients in the nation to receive this innovative treatment, and against all odds, it worked. Today, he remains cancer free.

As a physician, Sawyer was already familiar with the technical aspects of cancer treatment. However, the journey with her son gave her a unique perspective on the emotional and logistical hurdles that patients and their families must overcome.

“I frequently had patients come in for biopsies who didn’t understand what was happening,” she said. “When I retired, I knew our family journey had given me the strength and insight to guide others through their own battles.”

Sawyer joined Moffitt’s Patient and Family Advisory Council as an advisor about seven years ago, after retiring from her medical practice. Her decision was motivated by a desire to contribute to the cancer community after her son’s journey. Today, she serves as the council’s co-chair and her mission is clear: to ensure that the voices of patients and families are not just heard but are central to Moffitt’s care model.

“Every month, we have the privilege of sitting down with top leadership at Moffitt,” Sawyer said. “During these meetings, we bring forward the real, unfiltered experiences of patients — what they see, what they feel, what they need. What’s remarkable is that leadership not only listens but truly hears us. They take these insights to heart and translate them into action, driving meaningful changes that directly impact patient care.”

One of Sawyer’s most rewarding experiences as co-chair was spearheading the Scheduling Subcommittee to tackle a critical issue: improving wait times for appointment scheduling. Patients, some with life-threatening conditions, were waiting weeks for essential tests and treatments. Sawyer and the team, alongside Moffitt’s leadership, worked on the implementation of a scheduling system that dramatically reduced wait times and improved patient satisfaction.

In her role as council co-chair, Sawyer also found the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. She says one of the most rewarding aspects of her position is participating in programs that educate the next generation of health care providers. Each year, she speaks to incoming medical students at the University of South Florida and shares her family’s story and lessons learned from being both a physician and a mother to a cancer patient.

“I think Moffitt ingrains a sense of caring and empathy into every employee, creating an environment where everyone is genuinely concerned about the patient experience,” Sawyer said. “I can confidently say that Moffitt’s combination of empathy and excellence sets it apart. And that level of compassion and professionalism will continue to drive the PFAC’s work forward, ensuring that patient voices remain at the heart of everything we do.”

A journey that began as a personal battle has now transformed into a mission that Sawyer holds close to her heart. When thinking about her time with the Patient and Family Advisory Council, she envisions a future where the patient experience continues to be the cornerstone of Moffitt’s care. As the council evolves, Sawyer is committed to ensuring that it remains a powerful voice for patients and families. “We’ve come so far, but there’s always more to do. And I’m honored to be part of that ongoing journey,” she added.