I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding care and guidance I've received from Mary, my Cancer Care Navigator, at the VA in Seattle, Washington. Although my journey is far from over, I'm incredibly grateful to have Mary by my side. From the moment we met amidst the chaos on the fifth floor West Wing Hospital, she stood out, not just for her professionalism, but for her compassion and commitment.

At that time, I was newly admitted and feeling overwhelmed. While I encountered many wonderful nurses and staff members, those interactions were often brief, changing every 12 hours with shift rotations. There was no one to truly see me through the bigger picture until Mary introduced herself. She took the time to meet me at the end of a long, confusing day, and immediately provided me with both helpful information and genuine concern for my well-being.

It was clear from the start that she wasn't just there to get me through the next few hours; she was there to help guide me all the way through my care journey. Mary offered me a clear roadmap and connected me to vital resources, including her colleague, A, with whom she works closely. Together, they've gone above and beyond to ensure I get to the right appointments, stay informed, and begin my treatment without unnecessary delays. Mary has answered my calls, followed up on my needs, and played a key role in making sure my diagnosis didn't fall through the cracks.

In a system where many relationships are brief and transitional, Mary's support has been consistent and lasting. I genuinely feel like I have someone in my corner, someone who truly cares. She is a tremendous credit to the VA, and she stands out as an exceptional example of what compassionate, patient-centered care looks like. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge her dedication and to thank her and the team she works with for everything they've done.