Cancer. We may hear the word used daily in the world around us, but that doesn’t mean it can be simply defined. For those on the cancer journey – patients, caregivers, loved ones – the questions that surround cancer can be plentiful and overwhelming. Especially at 2 a.m.
That’s why at the American Cancer Society, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with free information, support, and answers via phone, email, and chat for anyone who needs help. How do we do that? We have a dedicated team at our National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) that’s celebrating its 15th birthday this month – that are on-call just for you.
In January 1997, we had just 9 Cancer Information Specialists (CIS) and 1 Oncology Nurse Specialist taking calls from people needing support and answers about cancer. Today, our team of CIS, Oncology Nurse Specialists, health insurance specialists, patient services specialists, and peer coaches answer more than 14.6 million calls to make sure anyone facing cancer has the information, support, and resources they need to help them stay well and get well … and to celebrate more birthdays.
We recently chatted with Cancer Information Specialist, Marelynn Ayala, about her work. This is what she had to say:
ACS: Marelynn, what is a Cancer Information Specialist?
Marelynn: A Cancer Information Specialist is a specially-trained American Cancer Society staff person who provides cancer patients, their families, and the community at large a vast array of cancer information, treatment information, early detection and prevention guidelines, and resources that are available throughout every step of the cancer experience and beyond.
ACS: How do you help people fight for a world with less cancer and more birthdays?
Marelynn: I help people fight for more birthdays every day by arming them with lifesaving information that can change their lives and the lives of those around them. For instance, I help provide accurate information about ways to prevent cancer or find it early to people who want to take steps to stay well. I help those facing a cancer diagnosis by arming them with much-needed facts and information to help them make informed treatment decisions. For people interested in fighting back against cancer by being active in their communities, I assist them with getting involved in our events and volunteer opportunities. Information is such a vital tool in the fight against cancer.
ACS: What inspired/motivated you to start working at the American Cancer Society?
Marelynn: I have always been passionate about health care and women’s health issues. Seeing first-hand where I grew up how poverty directly impacts an individual’s access to health care greatly influenced me to pursue a career where I would positively impact the community around me. The day I started in nonprofit cancer work was a day where I not only changed career paths, but also embarked on a much more fulfilling life.
ACS: What kind of feedback do you hear from cancer survivors about the programs and services the American Cancer Society provides?
Marelynn: I hear from people who say our programs and support have saved and changed lives, and our constituents are forever grateful. But we aren’t finished, and we need to continue to do more because disparities still exist and the needs continue to grow.
ACS: Can you recall a moment in time as a CIS that really made an impact on you?
Marelynn: A few months after I first started working at ACS, I found myself speaking with a gentleman who needed a ride for an upcoming treatment appointment. He explained that for 5 years, he has been receiving rides to his doctor from American Cancer Society volunteers and without this service; he would never have been able to receive his cancer treatment or go to his many follow-up appointments. This story impacted me because it was a first-hand account of how important our work is and the great work being done in communities across the country to help create more birthdays.
ACS: What makes you continue supporting the fight for less cancer and more birthdays?
Marelynn: My motivation stems from the simple fact that more work needs to be done. As long as disparities exist, I will always remain passionate and want to find a way to do my part in the fight against cancer.
Have you or a loved one ever benefited from programs or services offered by the American Cancer Society? Tell us your story in the comments section below.
