05/22/2026
Oncology nurse Kaarina Ponce hopes that one day we will not have to worry about cancer.
“Working in cancer care is hard. Every day, you see patients struggling with both their diagnosis and the side effects of treatment. Some days are heavier than others, but each day matters.
What keeps me motivated in oncology, and specifically in my role as a head and neck nurse navigator, is knowing that I can truly make a difference in the lives of my patients. It is an honor to care for people and to be alongside them during such a vulnerable and often overwhelming time.
As a navigator, I support patients from the moment they receive their diagnosis and throughout their treatment. That treatment can look very different for each person—sometimes it is surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or often a combination of multiple treatments. Helping patients understand what lies ahead, answering questions they may not even know how to ask, and being a steady presence during the unknown is incredibly meaningful work.
My knowledge of head and neck cancer, along with my strong connections across multiple clinics and care teams, allows me to be a proactive problem solver and advocate. Because I work closely with many different teams, I often become the “go-to” person when things are not going as planned. Whether it’s helping coordinate care, addressing barriers, or advocating for additional resources, I take pride in being someone who patients and providers can depend on. It is deeply rewarding to see patients make it through their treatments and move forward with their lives. And when patients are not able to continue curative treatment and transition to end-of-life care, I find comfort in knowing I helped ensure they had the information, support, and resources they needed to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
I hope that one day we will not have to worry about cancer. Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything I can to support patients with head and neck cancer, advocate for needed resources, and provide compassionate care during one of the most challenging times of their lives.”
