One Patient’s Journey to Land a Job at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

Three years ago, Diane Kearns was a breast cancer patient at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS). After battling cancer and experiencing the incredible support and care from the NYCBS staff, Diane wanted to become an employee. Now, coming up on four months with the cancer center, Diane works as a Patient Communications Operator, answering calls and scheduling patient appointments. 

After missing a few yearly screenings due to insurance conflicts, Diane decided it was time to get back on track with her health. When Diane finally got her mammogram, and the test results came back, the mother of one learned she had a tumor. When a routine breast MRI picked up a second tumor that the ultrasound and mammogram missed, Diane was diagnosed with Stage 2, HER2+ breast cancer. Unfortunately, this was not the first time breast cancer affected Diane’s family. Her mother, maternal grandmother, and maternal aunt were diagnosed years before.

In November of 2018, The Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital referred Diane to NYCBS, and just two hours later, she had an appointment with hematologist-oncologist Dr. Adriana Guigova. 

“I know not many people can get an appointment that quick. I was so grateful,” she recalls.”

Diane arrived at the appointment with her biggest supporters, her mother, and sister. 

“From the moment we met Dr. Guigova, she was so calming, caring, and patient,” Diane said. “She was unlike any doctor I had ever met, so genuine and compassionate.” 

Diane underwent a mastectomy and one year of chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, Dr. Guigova provided Diane with positive encouragement. 

“She was always available anytime I had a question or concern,” Diane explained.

Even when Diane felt like giving up halfway through her treatment because of side effects from chemotherapy, Dr. Guigova said, ‘I know it's hard, but I know you can do this.’

“She believed in me, and I'm glad she did because I would have given up, and I think I would have always wondered or wished I had finished,” said Diane. “So I'm grateful to her for that. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through, but I'm happy that I pushed through and completed all my treatments.”

From day one, Dr. Guigova assured Diane that she would be there every step of the way. 

“She went above and beyond, as did the nurses,” Diane said. “I have such a newfound respect for oncology nurses. There were days that I would show up to the infusion center in tears, feeling so awful from the effects of the chemo and the nurses made me feel like I was so much more than a patient. I will always be indebted to them for all they did for me.”

Although Diane didn’t think she had the fight in her to finish her treatments, she proved otherwise.

“Dr. Guigova showed me the strength I never really thought I had,” said Diane.

Extremely grateful to be cancer-free and attend her son’s high school graduation, Diane made gifts for the nurses since they played a huge role in her success. The gift included a card with a picture of Diane and her son. The card read, ‘Because of you, I get to watch my son graduate.’

Diane felt a strong desire to help when a woman in her community named Loren Ebert passed away. Loren was a stage 4 colon cancer patient known for distributing goodie bags to other patients in the infusion centers. Loren had been a source of support for Diane, which greatly inspired her to begin volunteering at the New York Cancer Foundation (NYCF). This non-profit organization provides grants to cancer patients undergoing treatment. Diane was determined to continue Lauren’s legacy and keep her name alive. 

“She was a truly special person,” said Diane. “She brought so much joy to others while fighting her own stage 4 cancer.”

Unfortunately, the pandemic halted communal gift exchanges, but Diane remains hopeful to continue the tradition again soon. She looks forward to providing encouragement and support to others just like Loren had done for her. Because Diane was so in awe of her experience at NYCBS, she felt compelled to work there.

Last October, while volunteering at the NYCF golf outing, she inquired about open job positions. 

“I couldn't think of a better place to work, so I explained that I'm a patient and volunteer and how much respect I have for NYCBS and everything that it stands for,” said Diane. “Then they took my information, reached out to me, and that’s how I ended up in the call center.”

Diane is so happy that she can now pay it forward with support and encouragement. 

“I want to help others; I feel like I've come full circle,” she said. “It makes me feel good to know I can offer someone the support and encouragement that I was given during my journey.”

Although Diane never thought her cancer journey would lead her to work at NYCBS, she counts this as one of the many blessings that cancer brought her, in addition to cherished friendships with other cancer patients and amazing support from friends and family.  

“I believe I am a better person because of my cancer diagnosis,” she said. “I appreciate the lessons it has taught me and all the ways it has changed me.”

One of the biggest lessons she learned was that looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. Instead, she advises taking your journey one minute, one hour, one day at a time. She encourages others to reach out to their support for help, whether a cooked meal or a listening ear and most importantly, never give up.