Wheels of Hope: Team Members Drive to End Lung Cancer

In the fall of 2024, Moffitt Cancer Center took its fight against lung cancer on the road, unveiling Florida's first mobile lung cancer screening unit equipped with a low-dose CT scanner.

While the sleek vehicle and innovative equipment capture attention, the heart of this program lies in the dedicated team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. 

From identifying communities, coordinating the logistics, ensuring patient eligibility and providing screening services, the mobile lung cancer screening team works collaboratively from start to finish. They ensure that patients receive the best comprehensive care.

Michelle Smith, mobile screening program manager, focuses on finding host sites for the mobile unit. 

Michelle Smith, Mobile Screening Program manager, brings years of experience in Moffitt’s Thoracic Program. Smith’s work focuses on finding host sites to bring the mobile unit closer to communities where screenings are needed the most.

“Less than 3% of Floridians get screened for lung cancer,” she said. “Low-dose CT scans could save up to 5,000 lives in Florida each year by catching lung cancer early, if eligible individuals get screened.”

Stephanie Wright, lung cancer screening coordinator, verifies patient eligibility prior to screening.

The unit’s impact is far-reaching, but it’s the work of individuals like Stephanie Wright, lung cancer screening coordinator, that makes each screening possible.

Wright plays a crucial role in verifying patient eligibility, ensuring that those who meet the criteria, can receive their scans.

"I work hard to guide patients through the process and explain what they can do to monitor their lung health, even if they don’t meet the screening criteria," Wright explained.

Nelson Ruiz, logistics coordinator, drives the mobile unit.

From behind the wheel, Nelson Ruiz, logistics coordinator, values his role in ensuring the mobile unit runs smoothly.

“I’m always inspired by the thought that every move we make gets us one step closer to diagnosing or preventing lung cancer. Knowing that my efforts directly impact people’s access to care keeps me going,” he said.

Brenda Connolly, department administrator for Thoracic Oncology, has worked at Moffitt for 18 years.

The broader impact of the program is also evident in the efforts of Brenda Connolly, department administrator for thoracic oncology, who has been with Moffitt for 18 years.

“We’re removing as many barriers as possible, whether it’s cost, distance or travel, to get people screened. We work every day to make a profound difference in outcomes, treatment and research,” Connolly said.

Emily Matthews, representing the community outreach side of the program, echoed this sentiment. Her role involves building partnerships with community organizations like local YMCAs to host the mobile unit.

Emily Matthews, community relations specialist, works to build partnerships with community organizations.

"Interacting with patients and hearing their stories is one of the most rewarding parts of my job," Matthews shared. "The fact that this is the first mobile lung screening unit in Florida sets an example for other states and countries. We’re showing what’s possible in lung cancer prevention."

Ultimately, the core of Moffitt’s mobile lung cancer screening unit revolves around ensuring that patients receive not only the screenings they need but also essential care and support. 

Ashley Hennessey and Sue Seney-Ulsheimer are integral in delivering this comprehensive care, combining their expertise to ensure patients receive the treatment and guidance necessary for their health and well-being.

Ashley Hennessey, CT technologist, enjoys connecting with patients and providing them access to resources. 

Hennessey, a CT technologist who has been with Moffitt for six months, finds great fulfillment in connecting with patients and providing them with access to resources they might not otherwise have. "It’s an incredible opportunity to serve the community and help those in need," she said.

Seney-Ulsheimer, tobacco treatment specialist with Moffitt's Community Outreach, Engagement and Equity Program, complements this by addressing the smoking-related health risks many patients face.

Sue Seney-Ulsheimer, tobacco treatment specialist, offers support to patients on how to quit smoking.

In her 10 weeks with Moffitt, Sue has been instrumental in offering tobacco cessation support, helping individuals take control of their health and quit smoking.

 "I want to help people feel empowered to take charge of their health," she shared.

Undoubtedly, this team’s collective passion and expertise bring the mobile lung screening unit to life.

With each community they visit, each patient they serve and each life they touch, the team continues to prove what’s possible. As the mobile unit continues to travel across Florida, the team remains committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact.