Pedaling for Payson

Every September, Pedaling for Payson raises funds for Nurse Navigation. What does this really mean? How does it impact patients and their families at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care? Keep reading to find out!

"Navigation is about guiding patients through a complex healthcare system during a difficult time. Being that person that patients can depend on if they have a question or concern makes the difference." –Jillian Saunders, RN

Meet Jillian, Kim, and Kristen our Oncology nurse navigators at the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care.  Each of our navigators is disease specific and helps patients navigate issues that are particular to their case.  Since October 2024, our navigators have had over 1,850 encounters with patients. Encounters are touchpoints with patients and/or their cases.  Sometimes this means coordinating a doctor's office or working directly with a patient.  These encounters, and the relationship built between the nurse navigators and patients, make it possible for those with cancer to focus on their treatment and on top of their health.

Shawn's Story: When supporting the cancer center for others takes on a new meaning

When cancer strikes, you never expect it, but you learn quickly that you have to deal with it. Little did I know that my years of participating in the Rock‘N Race on the Company C team would actually support MY cancer journey. I did it for the team, for others, for friends…and ultimately to support my own care.

My cancer journey began with Jillian Saunders, a nurse navigator at the Payson Center for Cancer Care. As a navigator of the care plan and “professional family member", Jillian was everywhere I needed her to be. She coordinated and accompanied me on appointments, checked in on me when I was receiving chemotherapy, and greeted me when I arrived for radiation, all while keeping an upbeat and positive demeanor. Never short on jokes to tell, Jillian was always patient while I told one, as humor has always been a coping mechanism for me, and one I leaned on heavily during my treatment.

The duo of Jillian and I quickly grew to include many more staff members at the Payson Center; each with the same optimistic, upbeat and encouraging personality. Through the teamwork and shared experiences, I’ve grown to realize that the support one receives throughout their cancer journey is not only critical to the treatment itself, but to overall healing. 

I have since learned that there are several other ways to give back in support of our community cancer center, including training for Pedaling for Payson’s 20th anniversary cycling event on September 6th, or volunteering or donating. Though my prognosis once frightened me, I now look back and tell myself, “If it had to happen, I’m grateful it happened here.”

That’s what I realize about my cancer treatment and the Payson Center for Cancer Care; even with options to be treated in Boston or at another cancer center, I’m grateful the Payson Center is in MY community. We should all be thankful for the compassionate care that Jillian and the entire clinical and support staff provide to cancer patients every single day.

"Navigation is about guiding patients through a complex healthcare system during a difficult time. Being that person that patients like Shawn can depend on if they have a question or concern makes the difference." –Jillian Saunders, RN