A Familiar Face at Moffitt
By Diane Johnson
Patient Advisor, Patient and Family Advisory Program
My name is Diane and I am a volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center. I first learned of Moffitt in 2004 when I came here to be treated for breast cancer. In 2009, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and started treatment at Moffitt as well. He joined the volunteer team in 2012. I saw how much joy it gave him to help at the information desk. This made me want to volunteer when I retired in 2019.
In January 2020, I started volunteering in the surgery waiting room. I checked patients in for surgeries, walked them back into the pre-operatory area, helped caregivers to consult rooms, and walked caregivers back to the recovery area to see their loved ones.
I volunteered on special projects. I visited Moffitt's Wesley Chapel facility to help direct patients to their infusion or radiation appointments. During the COVID-19 vaccine drives, I escorted patients and team members through the process.
In February 2020, I joined the Patient Family and Advisory Program. I started with the Coffee Connection at the Magnolia campus. Today, I volunteer for the breast clinic, infusion centers, Patient Library & Welcome Center, inpatient room visits, Coffee Connection and serve on various committees.
Volunteering is good for my soul and well-being.
I'm active and engaged in so many different roles that it has truly enriched my life. When I was diagnosed, so many people started to give me their opinion on how I should manage my treatments regardless of my doctor’s advice or my choices. So, I never talked about my cancer.
Today, I listen to patients and caregivers express their challenges. I never offer advice but aim to be there as a sounding board for them. If questioned about my journey, I tell my story and the path that I took. When I speak about my surgeries, chemotherapy or radiation experiences, they learn there is light at the end of the tunnel. I will usually see the same patients at different locations, and they have told me it helps them feel more comfortable to always see a familiar face when visiting Moffitt.
If you’re interested in using your lived experience as a patient or caregiver to make a difference the Patient and Family Advisory Program may be right for you. To learn more please email PatientAdvisors@Moffitt.org or call 813-745-2963.