Patient Resources

Your experience matters

We believe that providing our patients with information and resources can create a better treatment experience, help prevent complications and speed up the healing process. Adventist Health Sonora’s cancer experts have cultivated resources to answer your questions and provide guidance about your procedures and care team.

Support and guidance for every patient

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You need a partner by your side every step of the way.

It’s our honor to serve as that partner by offering the resources and education you need. We’re here to demystify the cancer care process and bring you hope in a challenging time.

Oncology nurse navigator

A diagnosis of cancer is the beginning of a new journey and our Oncology Nurse Navigator is here to be your advocate and make sure that you understand all of your options, you are connected with the right specialists, and you and your family receive all the support you need. Our Oncology Nurse Navigator has a deep understanding of the health care system and is ready to provide you with education and support to assist you on your journey.

The care team involved in your treatment plan can be extensive and may include your primary care provider, medical oncologist, hematologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, surgeon, chemotherapy nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, chaplain, and many others who contribute to your care. Your Oncology Nurse Navigator will work as your liaison, ensuring strong communication across your care team so that each facet of your treatment plan is well-coordinated and is in line with your goals and preferences.

Your Oncology Nurse Navigator will help you coordinate any services that are applicable to your treatment plan and physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Debbie Aventi, RN BSN OCN
Oncology Nurse Navigator
(209) 536-6945

Support Services

Coping with emotional needs is a very important component of cancer treatment. Adventist Health Sonora has a dedicated social worker who can address and provide emotional support to patients and family members undergoing cancer treatment. In addition to treatment-based social workers, support groups are available for current and former cancer patients. A few of the psychosocial and supportive services we offer include:

• Advanced care planning
• Caregiver and family counseling
• Palliative care
• Pastoral care

All Cancer Support Group

Our All Cancer Support Group meets every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is free for cancer patients and caregivers who are coping with the challenges of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Call Susan Balcarcel, RN, MFT, at (209) 536-6946 for more information.

Individual and family counseling

Individual and/or family counseling is available for our current cancer patients and to our cancer survivors. Please call Susan Balcarcel, RN, MFT, at (209) 536-6946.

Beam There Done That:

There's a special bond between our radiation oncology patients and staff. We provide a unique program to help our patients on their journey through radiation therapy.

Alternative therapies and special services:

A multidisciplinary team meets regularly to review the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each of our patients. We partner with many local providers to offer services and therapies we have found to be beneficial. These services are often covered by our Cancer Patient Support Fund and include acupuncture, massage, Reiki, transportation, in-home caregiving and much more.

Cancer Patient Support Fund

At Adventist Health Sonora we care for our patients – body, mind and spirit. That’s why we have the Cancer Patient Support Fund to help reduce anxieties and allow our patients to focus on their personalized care plan. The fund helps local cancer patients with their unmet financial needs, such as transportation, groceries, utilities, rent, house cleaning and medication co-payments.

Click here to request assistance from the Cancer Patient Support Fund.

For more information, please call Susan Balcarcel, RN, MFT, at
(209) 536-6946.

Interested in giving to the Cancer Patient Support Fund?

The Cancer Patient Support Fund is made possible through the generosity of our donors. Every generous dollar given is used to assist local cancer patients with unmet financial needs.

Donate by phone: (209) 536-5022

Checks can be mailed to:
Adventist Health Sonora
Philanthropy Office
1000 Greenley Road
Sonora, CA 95370

Visit our Philanthropy page to learn about more ways to give.

More resources

Our cancer experts have cultivated resources to answer your questions and offer guidance about conditions and procedures. Our cancer FAQ is a helpful place to start, and you’re welcome to contact us anytime with questions.