South Cove Community Health Center E-News

Dear Mr. Welch:

I am writing to thank you and many people who have worked so hard to provide funding for translator positions available at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I understand that the position of the Cancer Patient Navigator, which is currently held by Ms. Christina Ho, is based upon an annual renewable grant funded by South Cove Community Health Center.

I would like to share with you and your organization the impact of having a Chinese speaking Cancer Patient Navigator, especially Christina, has meant to my family.

My mother [name obliterated to protect patient privacy] was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2009 with a malignant breast tumor AND Paget's disease of the breast, at Roger's William Hospital in RI. She is a 77 year old Chinese widow who speaks almost no English and has had no formal schooling. Upon her diagnosis, she was in complete denial and refused further treatment or care, despite the fact that her prognosis was good if she sought treatment. After receiving her diagnosis, I, along with my siblings, spent the next week trying to persuade her to accept treatment and at least consider having surgery (mastectomy). However, the fear of the unknown, and the lack of understanding made it impossible for us to get through to my mother. Because she lived in a small Chinese community, her understanding of the disease were based upon what "others' understanding of" or "LACK of understanding of" the disease was, which made it impossible for her to trust the medical community. Additionally, my father had passed away about 2 years prior due to complications (accidentally perforated bladder) from a resection of prostate (TURP).

In my desperation, I called my primary physician, Dr. Katherine Johnston, at Beth Israel Deaconess, to seek advice and help. She quickly scheduled my mother, to go into Beth Israel Deaconess to meet with her (before her normal clinical hours). Dr. Johnston immediately assembled together for that meeting, Christina Ho and another Chinese translator to help with communicating with my mother. During the first meeting, they worked together on gaining my mother's trust, through "listening" to my mother's understanding of the disease, her fears, and her needs. All awhile, letting my mother KNOW she was ALWAYS in control and the one who makes all the decisions. Dr. Johnston was AMAZING in her patience, her explanation of the disease, the options and guidance through the many sessions we had since the first meeting. I call her our Guardian Angel.

Christina, our Chinese Blessing, was so much more than a "translator". She BRIDGED the gap between the language and cultural barriers. She helped make that connection because she was able to identify the many cultural fears our elderly have and addressed those immediately with my mother. She gave my mother assurance that these medical professionals at BIDMC had her best interest at heart and that my mother had complete control of her medical care. She helped explain to my mother, in detail, the disease and the recommended care made by the medical staff. Christina came to almost every appointment with Dr. Johnston (primary), the breast care team (surgeon, oncologists), as well as the cardiologist. She, literally, held my mother's hand throughout the whole process.

Although, like many Chinese families, family members may try to "translate" for the patient, but due to the closeness of the situation, family members or patients may feel added stress since they are personally involved. In my mother's case, I discovered that she kept much of her fears to herself because she did not want to "burden" her children nor did she want to feel guilted or pressured by her family. Therefore, having Christina there to address her health needs, mentally and physically, was a blessing.

I am so grateful to be able to tell you that because of the endless efforts of Ms. Christina Ho, Dr. Johnston, Dr. Troyan, Dr. Schnipper, Dr. O'Halloran, and the BIDMC staff, as well as the MANY Chinese translators at Beth Israel Deaconess, my mother successfully had her mastectomy in September 2009. This is a huge victory for us because I was completely paralyzed by mother's adamant decision on her refusal of treatment. My family and I are forever grateful for their help in giving our mother back to us.

In summary, I implore you and your organization to continue to fund the position of Chinese Cancer Patient Navigator and Chinese translators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. As a Chinese American who has worked closely with the Chinese community extensively, coordinating federal and state funded dislocated workers programs, I can attest that the need for a "Chinese Caner Patient Navigator" is immeasurable for the growing Chinese community. The impact of the Chinese Cancer Patient Navigator is the difference in the quality of life for the cancer patient... and in our case, it was far greater...LIFE.

Again, thank you for all the great work and blessing you and your staff provide to the community.

Sincerely,
[name obliterated to protect patient privacy]