ROME, Ga., Jan. 3, 2024 – Cancer Navigators is committed to working to ensure that no one has to go through their cancer journey alone.
The Rome-based non-profit organization located in the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren, M.D. Cancer Center is funded by donations from citizens and businesses of northwest Georgia, and by grants from private and public organizations.
It has the endorsement and support of Harbin Clinic, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition. Cancer Navigators partners with many organizations including the American Cancer Society to provide resources and educational materials.
“Just hearing the word 'you have cancer' can leave people terrified and struggling to know what they should do next," said Jonna Duke, the organization's office and outreach coordinator. “Cancer Navigators is available to help ease some of the difficult emotions you may experience and help you keep a sense of control over your diagnosis and treatment."
While not a clinical-based organization, Cancer Navigators works to complement to the medical expertise of cancer care providers by guiding those affected by cancer toward a better understanding of diagnosis and care.
Cancer Navigators provides the following free of charge to cancer patients: social support, counseling, nutrition assistance, transportation assistance, medical supplies, wigs, hats and scarves, day and weekend retreats, weekly support group and caregiver support.
“For many cancer patients, it can be an economic struggle to even meet some of the basic things they need," Duke said. “It can especially be challenging to travel for treatments. We can help them get gas cards so that is not an economic burden."
In addition to transportation, nutrition is a top barrier to cancer care. Cancer Navigators offers patients liquid nutrition, so they receive needed nutrients and remain hydrated while in treatment, as well as collaborates with local food pantries and Atrium Health Floyd registered dietitians to provide uninsured cancer patients individual nutrition counseling.
While COVID-19 impacted some of the organization's services, Cancer Navigators still works to organize free retreats that can help patients learn more about what they can do as an individual to lessen stress, learn relaxation techniques and receive nutrition tips.
The organization also hosts a Daisy Drop event each spring, inviting the public to the Chief John Ross Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Rome to drop daisies in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer. Since 2020, the Daisy Drop has served as the conclusion of Cancer Navigators' virtual and in-person races fundraiser. Details for this year's fundraiser and Daisy Drop will be announced in February.
The Cancer Navigators office, 255 W. Fifth St.,Suite 300 (3rd Floor) is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The phone number is 706-509-5040. The mailing address is 3 Central Plaza #415, Rome, GA 30161.