Oncology Social Worker Receives STAR Award

SALINAS, CA - A Salinas Valley Health cancer patient knew she would receive the most advanced cancer treatments at Salinas Valley Health. What she didn’t expect was having someone who would become more like a family member on her cancer journey. Oncology social worker Deidre Garcia was that person and is also the organization’s latest STAR Award recipient.

Garcia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Medical Center’s Susan Bacon Cancer Resource Center. Next month she will celebrate her fourth year supporting oncology patients at Salinas Valley Health. The STAR Award honors staff members who demonstrate the organizational values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect.

In her nomination, a former patient described how Garcia helped her navigate the practical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment which for her included chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and more.

The patient wrote, “She wasn't someone I met once and never saw again. Deidre became one of the most important people throughout my treatment. She helped me find grants, transportation assistance, gas cards for the hundreds of miles I was driving every week for radiation, and resources I never would have found on my own. Whenever I reached a barrier, she helped me find a way through it.”

For Garcia, the recognition reflects the importance of the relationships she builds with patients and the work of the entire oncology team. “I’m so honored,” Garcia said. “As an oncology social worker, I feel privileged to walk with our patients through a tough journey. I’m honored to be recognized for the hard work that not only I do, but we do as a team. I’m grateful for every interaction, and I remember this patient. She has a special place in my heart.”

The patient added, “What made her extraordinary wasn't only what she did, it was how she made me feel. She never treated me like another patient or another case. She celebrated every milestone with me, encouraged me when I was scared, and believed in me long after my treatment ended.”

Learn more about the Salinas Valley Health Susan Bacon Cancer Resource Center and the work of oncology social workers here.

Every month Salinas Valley Health recognizes a non-nursing team member with a STAR Award or a nurse with a DAISY Award, an international foundation established to honor extraordinary nursing in healthcare organizations.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843