Provider's Take - Chelsea
As an oncology social worker, I get to witness an exquisite microcosm of humanity. Our patients, their loved ones, and my colleagues exhibit such intense love, strength, dedication, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is nothing short of beautiful. My role is to accompany our patients and their loved ones on their cancer journey and help them rally the internal and external resources they need to complete that journey. That may mean providing counseling to discover internal fortitude and strength; assistance in navigating practical resources; or, simply being present with someone so he/she feels less alone. I chose to do this work because it changes how I live in the world, in the best of ways. There is nothing more real than being present with a person in their most vulnerable hours and I consider it a privilege to do so.