A Community of Cancer Survivors
In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 7, Providence Saint John’s Cancer Center welcomed survivors, patients, caregivers, and families to a Cancer Survivorship Resource Fair on June 2. The event brought together clinical experts, support services, and community partners dedicated to helping patients navigate life during and after cancer treatment.
This year’s event was held on the Garden Level of the Cancer Center and featured a variety of educational displays, informational resources, wellness giveaways and opportunities for attendees to connect directly with members of the care team. Participants also enjoyed a crafts table where they could create personal keepsakes, providing a meaningful reminder of their individual journeys and resilience.
A driving force behind the event was Shanthi Gowrinathan, MD, psychiatrist and Director of Psycho-Oncology and Cancer Support Services at Saint John’s Health Center. Dr. Gowrinathan leads the Cancer Support Services (CSS) Program and has been instrumental in expanding resources that address the emotional, psychological and social challenges patients often face during and after treatment.
Her work, along with the support of CSS provider Timo Laura, RN, MSN, NP-C, AOCNP, Survivorship Nurse Practitioner, in psychosocial oncology helps ensure that cancer care extends beyond treating the disease itself to supporting the whole person throughout recovery and survivorship.
The activities were coordinated by Timo Lara and Joseph Greenberg, LCSW, OSW-C, who leads the oncology social work team, and Alston Novak, Administrative Coordinator of Cancer Support Services and the Margie Petersen Breast Center. Together with colleagues from across Providence Saint John’s Health Center, they helped bring together numerous departments and community resources to create an engaging and supportive experience for attendees.
National Cancer Survivor’s Day at Saint John’s
Cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers joined in celebrating National Cancer Survivors’ Day.
Representatives from survivorship services, psychiatry, social work, nutrition, physical therapy, nurse navigation, pain management, spiritual care, and other specialties were available to share information and answer questions.
“Our patients inspire us every day through their strength, resilience and determination,” said Shanthi Gowrinathan, MD, psychiatrist and Director of Psycho-Oncology and Cancer Support Services at Saint John’s Health Center. “The Survivorship Resource Fair reflects our commitment to caring for the whole person, not just the disease. By bringing together clinical experts and support services, we hope to empower patients and their loved ones, create new connections, and encourage healing long after treatment ends.”
We welcome our new oncology social workers, Marissa Sepulveda, MSW, and Alexis Camacho, MSW, to our team.
This event was made possible with support from the Providence Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, whose commitment to patient-centered programs helps strengthen survivorship services throughout the cancer center. The gathering served as a reminder that survivorship is not only about overcoming cancer, but also about building community, fostering hope and ensuring that patients have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Information and Resources
American Cancer Society
Cancer Support Community
Providence Saint John’s Health Center Foundation
WeSpark