A CRNA's Peer Support Journey

I've been a Nurse Anesthetist at Moffitt for over five years now and have given anesthesia to thousands of patients. Until recently, I had only experienced patient care from a clinical perspective, never imagining that one day, I would find myself on the other side of that experience as a patient.

On July 25, 2024, that changed when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. In an instant, my role shifted from caregiver to patient, and I became acutely aware of the multifaceted challenges patients encounter. Beyond the clinical regimen, navigating this diagnosis is emotionally complex, and what I found myself most unprepared for was how isolating it can be.

Breast cancer is completely individualized with its varying progressions, diverse treatment plans and prognoses, making it difficult to anticipate precisely what the path ahead entails. I found myself in need of a peer who had endured the same diagnosis and treatment plan, a source of insight from someone who had experienced the trajectory I was about to face.

While a few women in my life had faced breast cancer, none had encountered the same type or treatment that I was about to undergo. Fortunately, my husband, close friends and family provided crucial support, but it became clear that connecting with someone who truly understood my specific circumstance was invaluable.

When the dust started to settle, I was connected with the manager of the Patient and Family Advisory Program. I shared my story with her and highlighted areas where patient experiences at Moffitt could be improved. She asked if I was familiar with Imerman Angels, as my suggestions aligned directly with their mission.

Two months later, I became an Imerman Angel Mentor and was asked if I would be interested in being an Imerman Angel Ambassador here at Moffitt. Since becoming an Angel Mentor, I’ve now been matched with two mentees. As their mentor, I support them in whatever way they need. I’m there to provide empathy, listen to whatever they want to share, share my experience if they ask and answer any questions they may have.

Since becoming an Imerman Angel Ambassador at Moffitt, I’ve organized monthly table events promoting the program, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. Everyone always wonders why things happen in life. If being a mentor and spreading awareness about this organization—and the one-on-one support they provide — is my “why”, then I think I might be okay with that.

If you’re looking for one-on-one support or would like to help others and become a mentor yourself, please stop by the Moffitt Library or go to imermanangels.org for more information.

This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.