At Azra AI, we believe in recognizing the dedicated professionals who make a difference in oncology care. This month, we shine a spotlight on Nancy Page, the GI Rectal Cancer Navigator at Wellstar Kennestone Cancer Center in Marietta, GA. With over 47 years in nursing—10 of them in oncology—Nancy’s journey into patient navigation was deeply personal. She was inspired to become a nurse navigator after her brother’s battle with renal cell carcinoma, a path that led her to advocate for patients facing cancer diagnoses.
A Passion for Helping Patients
Nancy’s motivation stems from her deep empathy for patients and their families. “Any day I wake up and I don’t have a cancer diagnosis, it’s a great day,” she said. “My motivation is to come in every day and to look at these people and do whatever I can to make their journey easier [and] better for them.”
Throughout her career, she has provided critical support to countless patients, including those experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, and food insecurity. She recalled one patient, a former executive who had lost everything after a series of health crises, and how she worked to ensure they had access to food, transportation, and proper medical care.
The Importance of Nurse Navigators
As a rectal cancer navigator, Nancy provides critical education and support to patients who often feel overwhelmed. “When the doctor's talking to them, they hear nothing,” she explained. “So I break it down. I tell them, ‘What do you think this means?’ And then I explain it in a way they can understand.”
She ensures that patients are well-prepared for treatments, walking them through everything from chemotherapy side effects to what they should bring for infusion sessions. She also assists patients with financial resources, coordinating with social workers to help those who make too much to qualify for aid but still struggle with expenses.
A Heart for Every Patient
Nancy’s impact goes beyond medical guidance—her personal connections with patients leave lasting impressions. She shared the story of a patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in their mid-twenties, who was also caring for their mother, a colon cancer patient. Throughout their treatment, Nancy became a trusted support for them and their family. “I went to ICU to see [them], and [they] motioned for me to come close. [They] wrapped [their] arms around me and mouthed to [their] brother, ‘This is my Nancy.’”
Even after their passing, Nancy was moved by the immense outpouring of love at their funeral, a testament to the profound impact they had on others. “It was standing room only in that cathedral. I realized I was just a small part of [their] journey, but I was honored to be there.”
A Lasting Legacy in Oncology Care
Nancy believes that technology plays a vital role in improving oncology care, helping healthcare teams catch and support patients more effectively. Despite her decades of service, Nancy continues to find inspiration in her work. “I just want to help people,” she said simply. “And if I can make one person’s journey a little easier, then I’ve done my job.”
Azra AI is honored to recognize Nancy Page as our Oncology Hero for February 2025. Her compassion, dedication, and relentless advocacy exemplify what it means to be a true champion for patients. Hear Nancy’s full story when you check out our conversation with her below:
In addition to the Oncology Hero recognition, Azra AI has made a contribution to the charity of Nancy’s choice in the month of February 2025. Nancy’s charity of choice is the Loving Arms Cancer Outreach. Please join us in donating to this organization!
