The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program
As an American Cancer Society patient navigator, Kylee brings more than 5 years of experience counseling patients in difficult situations. Kylee's professional background in social work and her own experience as a caregiver for family members undergoing cancer treatment provide her with the perspective to help and support patients and their loved ones throughout their cancer journey.
As a patient navigator, Kylee helps ease the burden of cancer for patients, their families and caregivers by connecting them with resources provided by the American Cancer Society, the Comprehensive Cancer Center and the community, including assistance with transportation, lodging, accessing prescription medications, finances, and nutrition counseling.
As one of the more than 100 American Cancer Society patient navigators working in local communities across the country, Kylee believes the information, day-to-day help, and emotional support provided by patient navigators is essential. She strives to make sure cancer patients and their families know that no one has to brave this journey alone.
Kylee is an employee of the American Cancer Society and works on site at Saint Joseph Hospital's Comprehensive Cancer Center in Denver CO. She began her work with the American Cancer Society in 2008, providing support to cancer patients and survivors. Prior to that, she worked as a medical social worker for a dialysis clinic and understands the challenges and struggles people with a chronic illness face. Kylee holds bachelor and masters degrees in social work from Colorado State University and The University of Denver respectively.
The Patient Navigator Program links those affected by cancer to trained "navigators" who serve as personal guides for patients as they face the psychological, emotional, and financial aspects of their unique cancer experience. With a focus on the medically underserved, this free and confidential program was developed to reach individuals with the greatest need.
Cancer is a life-changing experience, but with the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program now available at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, members of the local community facing cancer do not have to brave the journey alone.
Our American Cancer Society cancer patient navigator, Kylee Virdi, MSW, will assist with identifying American Cancer Society resources available to patients and their families. She also coordinates the American Cancer Society's Look Good-Feel Better program. Contact Kylee by calling 303.318.1307.
"The American Cancer Society estimates that 13,450 individuals in the Denver Metropolitan area were diagnosed with cancer last year."
Dr. Harold P. Freeman conducted the pioneering patient navigator work at Harlem Hospital that resulted in the development of the first patient navigator program in the 1990s.
Subsequent studies of the program found that patient five-year survival rates went from 39% (prior to the development of the patient navigator program) to 70%. These outcomes and the innovative nature of the program, as well as Dr. Freeman's continued work in this area, gave rise to other navigator efforts. A good deal of the patient navigator literature focuses on cancer research. The American Cancer Society, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute have all supported various navigator research efforts based on the success of Dr. Freeman's model.
Last Updated: 10OCT09
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