The Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Cancer Center Navigator Program

Embark on a Journey to Survivorship 

Navigator Programs are nationally recognized for increasing a cancer patient’s chances for survival and quality of life. The complimentary Navigator Program offered at Northridge Hospital’s Leavey Cancer Center connects all newly diagnosed cancer patients with an RN Navigator, Patient Advocate, and an Outreach Coordinator to help guide and support them through diagnosis, treatment and into survivorship. Read some of our patient testemonials below.

The Oncology Registered Nurse Navigator is the patient’s point-of-contact concierge to ensure a smooth transition among hospital services. Patients can rely on their Navigator for compassionate support, encouragement and education.

The goal is to foster the mind, body, and spirit through comprehensive services and advanced technology, the Leavey Cancer Center brings together all of the services that our patients need.

Supportive Services offered at the Leavey Cancer Center include:

  • Chapel and Meditation Garden
  • Free Massage Therapy
  • Healing Garden
  • Learning Library – free information on a wide range of cancer topics, internet access, and books and DVD’s available for purchase. A bilingual Patient Advocate is available for assistance
  • Look Good, Feel Better Program – restores confidence by enhancing patients’ appearance with make-up and wigs. Also provides education on their changing skin care needs.
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Pain Management Program
  • Pet Therapy
  • Transportation Service
  • Social Services
  • Spiritual Care
  • Support Groups and Cancer Education
  • Transitional Care Coordination Program – patients with chronic illnesses receive individualized care that begins at admission and continues through discharge, a home visit and follow-up care.

For more information on our Navigator Program, please call 818.885.5471.

Here are some patient testimonials:

"John and I wanted to express to you and the Navigator Program what transportation means to us. We are both in our mid-eighties, and our friends are the same age or older! We knew we could not drive to the Leavey Cancer Center, and all of our friends have given up driving. Our youngest neighbor works daily, and our family lives in another state and works during the day. Neither John nor I can get on or off a bus. Paying for Uber or taxis was out of the question. If the center had not provided the transportation, John would not have gotten the treatments he needed.
We are extremely grateful that this program was available to us and sincerely hope it will be available to others for a long, long time. Thank you for all the care and assistance we received. The drivers were extremely kind, caring, skilled, and courteous at getting us safely through heavy traffic to the center on time for John’s many appointments."
Sincerely,
John and Corinne H. 

"The Navigator Program at the Leavey Cancer Center provides an invaluable service to those who are in need of transportation. The drivers were always on time, and my mother felt relieved knowing she had reliable transportation during her treatment. The program was very well-organized and I hope it will remain in service for future patients."
Thank you,
L. Kaye

"I am more than grateful for all the assistance the Navigator Program has given me.  Having no medical insurance has been one of the biggest life challenges I have faced. I was referred from a local clinic and was able to receive a free mammogram screening. Before proceeding with the screenings and doctor’s appointments, I asked if there would be a charge. I would not have been able to afford to pay for the services on my own.  I was told that I needed to proceed with a diagnostic mammogram as they found calcifications in one of my breasts. My calcifications have been monitored for more than a year now. I am thankful for the very kind staff at the Carole Pump Women’s Center.  It is my wish to see this program help more women, especially those underprivileged ones like me."
Thank you,
Nola B.

“On October 30, 2024, I had a bilateral breast mammogram and breast ultrasound at the Carole Pump Women’s Center. I had private insurance covering the exams then, but it was only active until the end of October. On the following day, October 31st, I got a call from a nurse who said that the radiologist saw a suspicious lump in my right breast, and I needed a biopsy to make sure it was not cancer. My heart felt heavy because no one ever wants to hear the word cancer, and I knew that I no longer had insurance to cover the biopsy. I explained to the nurse that my insurance was only active until that day. She suggested that I look into getting new insurance to cover the biopsy. At the time, I was not working and studying to become an MRI Technologist while completing my internship hours. I could not afford to pay for my medical insurance since I had no income. 
When I got off the phone, I felt alone and didn’t know how to help myself. I needed the biopsy to see if I had breast cancer, and I knew I had to wait until I had medical insurance. I waited patiently with many scenarios in my mind. What if I had breast cancer? Worries about my family’s future filled my mind. I kept the information from my family since I did not want to worry them. I would wake up in the middle of the night and google breast cancer and what signs to look for. It was all very scary. I prayed to God to give me the strength to cope and to help me find a way to have the biopsy done. 
A few weeks later, I received a call from Nina, from the Women's Center. She asked me if anyone had called me regarding the results of my mammogram and ultrasound. I said I had received a call from a nurse who told me I needed a biopsy of my right breast, but because I did not have insurance, no one followed up with me. I felt as if I did not matter to them because they knew I did not have medical insurance and that I could not afford to pay for the biopsy. Nina said, “You matter to me; I will call Doris and ask if she can get you into the Navigator Program here at Carol Pump Women’s Center.” A few minutes later, Doris called me and asked me a few questions to see if I would qualify for the program. When she told me I would qualify, I was so happy and full of emotions that tears started rolling down my face. I felt that I wasn’t alone in this journey; I was going to find out if I had breast cancer. Two days later, I had my ultrasound-guided biopsy with Dr. Hanna. They were professional and kind, and the procedure did not take too long. I appreciate their time and dedication. About six days later on Christmas Eve, I got a phone call from Northridge Hospital; my heart started racing as I answered the phone. It was Dr. Lisa Little; she said she was calling me to give me the pathology results. She said the wait was over, and that the biopsy came back negative for cancer cells. I felt so happy and blessed to hear the great news, it was the best Christmas gift anyone could have given me. I finally told my family the fabulous news; we were so thankful and blessed that we cried tears of joy. 
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Nina and Doris and all the donors who fund the Navigator Program at Carol Pump Women’s Cancer Center at Northridge Hospital. I trust you know all the good you have done and continue to do for all of us women who have desperately needed your generosity, empathy, and kindness. Having peace of mind is priceless, and in my case, it was all thanks to the Navigator Program and its donors. Thank you so much and many blessings to you all.”
Always thankful, 
Jenny G.