Myrrh Hector, About.com's Guide to Leukemia, is a former patient navigator for Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, as well as a lead trainer for the Education Network to Advance Cancer Clinical Trials, and a member of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Institute Cancer Committee. Myrrh wrote and edited the newsletter for the local chapter of the UsTOO Prostate Cancer Support Group, and co-facilitated an American Cancer Society support program for women. She spoke publicly within the local healthcare system and the community at large about the difficulty of finding adequate and affordable care for cancer of all types.
Experience:
Myrrh has worked directly with many leukemia patients and their families in all stages from diagnosis to remission and beyond. She has helped patients find answers to basic questions about their diseases, helped them find specific resources both local and nationwide, and supported them through the difficult process of being diagnosed with and treated for leukemia. She has become familiar with many of the challenges that patients with leukemia face, and helped them find creative solutions to their individual problems. She assisted patients in applying for Medicaid, helped Medicare patients find appropriate drug plans under Medicare Part D, assisted patients in applying for Social Security Disability, and sought private financial assistance for often expensive medications.
Education:
Myrrh attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, with a major in English/Writing and Psychology, and continues her education through cancer-focused teleconferences and materials.
From Myrrh Hector:
I want every leukemia patient and their caregivers to know that there is both financial and emotional help and support for leukemia patients and their families. I want to help patients, family, and friends access that help as they deal with the difficulties and challenges of leukemia.