Navigating the health-care system can be a significant barrier for cancer patients, survivors and their families. The emotional, physical and financial needs can be overwhelming and many require assistance to access necessary services. Regardless of where they are being treated, cancer patients, their caregivers and families have access to many benefits at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at SIU School of Medicine through the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Those who have fought the battle with cancer often express how all-consuming it becomes. “First a diagnosis, then before you know it, you’re inundated with doctor’s appointments and your time has been taken from you,” says Katherine Howerter. The “taken” list just grows from there.

As a licensed social worker for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and SCI Patient Navigation Program, Howerter’s role is to give.

She strives to help patients and their families overcome these barriers. “My goal is to make sure the patient and family know that support and resources are available, and they do not have to walk through this alone,” Howerter says.

Howerter assesses the social situations and family dynamics of patients and provides counseling for them and their families. “Sometimes coming in and solving everything is not in the best interest of the patient,” Howerter says. “I help patients find their own solutions through self-determination and empowerment.”

She assists with a multitude of needs at all stages of the cancer journeys, from finding affordable lodging to coordinating transportation to appointments.

She has established many long-term relationships, but even brief encounters can resonate at SCI. Howerter recalls assisting a patient at the wig bank. “She told me, ‘I really want to wear it so I can video myself reading books to my grandkids. They live across the country, and I don’t get to see them very often. I know that I’m not going to be here forever. It’s really important to me that they see me on the video reading the books looking the way I did before receiving treatment. I want that to be what they remember about me.’  While I never saw her again,” Howerter related. “I’ve never forgotten her.”

Howerter is helping to create an environment at SCI where patients and family feel cared for. “I have the opportunity to meet with them and help make this journey so much easier, so much lighter. And that, I believe is a privilege — ­­to be a part of that journey in their lives.”