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Support & Resources

At Hoag, we offer a variety of support services led by a caring clinical and social work team.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Nurse Navigator - Sandy Southerland, B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N.

Clinical Nurse Navigators are a unique asset at Hoag. As a Clinical Nurse Navigator for Hoag’s Colorectal Cancer Program, Sandy serves as a guide for patients, answering questions, providing education, identifying social resources to overcome any barriers to care and providing support through each phase of treatment and recovery.

As the Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Nurse Navigator, Sandy provides:

  • Emotional support and guidance for the newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patient and their family
  • Education for patients and family members about colorectal cancer
  • Information about community resources and Hoag support services
  • Help in coordinating the patient’s multidisciplinary care plan
  • Assistance in navigating the healthcare system during and after treatment

Cancer Support Services

Cancer Support Services offers a variety of classes to support and educate patients during and after cancer. These classes and workshops are all free of charge:

  • Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group - Designed to meet the educational and emotional needs of gastrointestinal cancer patients and their families. The group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 2-3:30 p.m.​ in the Hoag Cancer Center Conference Room A.

  • One-On-One Counseling with an oncology social worker

  • Fitter Image Exercise Programs, including yoga, pilates and energizing cardio and toning

  • Workshops for Well-Being, including free flow writing, meditation, reiki and creative art classes

Other Support Programs/Teams include:

  • CARES Program - For patients experiencing high pain or symptom burden during treatment, the Hoag CARES Team can help. Board-certified Palliative Care physicians, nurses and social workers are available to help manage physical and emotional symptoms alongside your cancer care team.
  • Oncology Dietitians - Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides two dedicated Registered Dietitians who are available to advise patients on nutrition and provide resources for a healthier diet before, during and after cancer treatment.
  • Hereditary Cancer Program - Hoag offers both genetic counseling and genetic testing for individuals concerned about hereditary cancer.
  • Pastoral Care - provides spiritual support & counseling services to patients, families, and the community.