Samantha Lozier Named 2017 Hero of Hope Finalist
(PRWEB) December 06, 2017 -- Samantha Lozier has been a Cancer Hope Network (CHN) Support Volunteer since 2007. She was recently recognized as one of four finalists nationwide by CONQUER: the patient voice Magazine and the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.
Lozier was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2005 and received surgery and radiation treatment. In 2013, the melanoma returned, metastasizing as Stage IV liver melanoma. She’s taken on a number of treatments since – including immunotherapy, surgery and radiation of the liver.
As a newlywed fighting recurring cancer, she could have been forgiven for focusing on herself. But seven years later, cancer has not stopped Sam from living her best possible life – or lessened her drive to help others live their best possible lives. She has continued her career as a social worker, serves as a role model for patients facing a similar diagnosis and raises money and awareness for melanoma research with her annual mini golf tournament.
“Sam is an unabashed champion of patient empowerment,” said CHN Executive Director Wanda Diak. “Her zest for life, commitment to bettering the world around her and devotion eradicating melanoma make us proud to have her as a volunteer and lucky to know her as a friend.”
“Sam balances her determined optimism and bravery with refreshing candidness,” said CHN Director of Patient Services Cynthia Gutierrez-Bernstein. “She’s not afraid to show all sides of her experience and that resonates with the people she helps. People feel better after talking with Sam because she doesn’t give false hope or spout empty platitudes. Sam tells the truth, no matter how difficult, and then searches for joy and sunshine in that truth.”
The Hero of Hope Patient Award is presented by CONQUER: the patient voice magazine in partnership with the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+). Finalists were selected for their contributions to their communities and “Exuding extraordinary spirit, grace, and optimism in the face of adversity.” Lozier was featured in the fall edition of CONQUER. All finalists, and this year’s winner Melissa Marshall, were honored at the AONN+ 2017 Navigation and Survivorship Conference.
“Melissa, Heather (Gilbert) and Susan (Saporito) are transforming the scourge of cancer into something meaningful,” Samantha said. “It’s an honor to be included in this amazing group of women.”
Cancer Hope Network provides free one-on-one emotional support to adult cancer patients and their caregivers. Each of our 400+ volunteers is at least one year post-treatment or successfully undergoing maintenance therapies. Our Support Volunteers represent more than 80 cancer types and speak 15 languages. They offer encouragement from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship.
For more information about Cancer Hope Network, or to schedule an interview with Samantha Lozier, contact Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Director of Marketing and Patient Outreach. scassidy(at)cancerhopenetwork(dot)org or 908.879.4039 ex 20.
Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Cancer Hope Network, http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org, +1 (908) 879-4039 Ext: 20, [email protected]
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