Debra Ando
Compassionate interaction
Debra Ando has a deep understanding of cancer and wants to help others through the journeyNavigating the myriad of questions and concerns that come after cancer can be a confusing challenge, but Debra Ando is there to help. Ando is one of the patient care coordinators at the Hutchinson Center, and while she can help you schedule an appointment or help you find the answer to a question, just talking is her favorite part of the job.
"The patients I talk to are really upbeat, positive and they make me laugh. I really enjoy the interaction," Ando said. She's been on the job since November, but for three years before that, she worked in the mammography division at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
"In mammography, my patient interaction was limited. I scheduled their mammograms and their biopsies, and then wouldn't talk to them again until it was time for their next appointment," Ando said. "But with these patients, I can talk to them at least every week or so, and I get to know them. They talk about their families and what they do. I get attached to them."
And patients get attached to her. One celebrated his 50th birthday by buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle; a few days later, Ando received a photo of the patient perched on his new bike. "That was really cool, I liked that a lot," she said. Another forwarded his web journal with photos of himself and family members to let her know what he was doing.
Those connections are especially meaningful to Ando, who knows firsthand the agony cancer can cause. "I lost my significant other to cancer in July 2003, so it feels good to be able to help," Ando said. "That's what brought me here. The treatment that Walter had when he was diagnosed with lung cancer was just wonderful. Dr. Steve Petersdorf and the nursing staff were incredible. The front desk and resource center staff on the first floor are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as well. It was as wonderful as a horrible experience could be. The SCCA made the experience so much better."
Ando was a stay-at-home mom until her three daughters were in their teens, and then took temporary medical jobs around Seattle. Seven years ago, she started working as a patient-services representative at University of Washington before moving to the SCCA. "It's an occupation that allows you to constantly learn. There are so many changes happening all the time in medicine," Ando said.
With two preteen granddaughters and a 5-year-old grandson, Ando stays busy with them as well. "They are the light of my life," she said of her family. "I love spending time with them. We run errands together and go to the park or the waterfront. The girls like to shop," she said with a laugh.
She also spends as much time as possible outside. "I love nature. I'm not a gardener, but I like to go out and see things. I love going to the parks — and the rain," she said, adding that she and Walter were both born and raised in Seattle.
Her personal experience with cancer and her desire to help others have served her well as a patient care coordinator. "I get along really well with my patients. We laugh and we talk, and it makes me feel good that I can help get their questions addressed. I may not have every answer for them — there are some things I can give them answers about — but at least I can help them get to the right person and the right place to be able to get them answers and the help that they're looking for," she said.
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