Our Oncology Caseworkers are our HIDDEN HEROES! They work behind the scenes to assist patients and their families with the psychological, social and economic challenges that cancer often brings. When patients’ basic daily needs are met and barriers to treatment are removed, a great burden is lifted.
ONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORK
CASEWORKERS
Because a cancer diagnosis often brings many
psychological, social and economic challenges for
patients and their families, caseworkers in Ridley-Tree’s
Oncology Social Work Department are at the ready to
provide critical assistance so patients’ basic daily needs are
met, and so any barriers to treatment can be removed.
Caseworkers help patients to obtain medical services,
transportation, food and housing. They advocate for
patients, so they can better coordinate with state and
community agencies. “This greatly eases the burden,”
explains Sherry Massey, a 25-year veteran of the Oncology
Social Work Department. “I often receive requests from
patients who tried to resolve issues with Medi-Cal, Social
Security or California’s Disability Insurance Department
on their own, but have
not been successful. Not
knowing where to start
can feel overwhelming. It
is most rewarding when
we can help to resolve
these problems.”
New caseworker Ana
Manzo assists patients
with filling out free drug
enrollment applications,
receiving handicap placards, writing time-off letters to employers, and many
other tasks that help to lighten the load. “I have the
opportunity to provide great resources,” says Ana. “This
team works so hard for the wellbeing of the patient.”
Laura Gonzalez has been a Ridley-Tree caseworker for
the last 7 years. She enjoys speaking with her patients by
phone, meeting to discuss their medical bills or calling
healthcare insurance providers to coordinate coverage.
This is invaluable assistance for patients whose time and
energy are drained. “I love working at Ridley-Tree, especially
when patients share how grateful they are for your support,”
shares Laura.
To request an appointment with one of our caseworkers,
call the Oncology Social Work Department at one of the
numbers below:
- Santa Barbara (805) 879-5690
- Solvang (805) 879-5685
Photo caption: Sherry Massey, Ana Manzo and Laura Gonzalez