In the heart of Marysville, C-Suite Center for Hope stands a space of hope for those embarking on one of life’s most daunting journeys: battling cancer. “This center is not just a facility, it’s a sanctuary where hope is nurtured and care is personalized,” shares Robin Sparks, a certified cancer patient navigator with the center.
Sparks, whose own 2022 battle with cancer propelled her out of retirement and into the forefront of patient advocacy, has dedicated her life to ensuring no one faces cancer alone.
“When I was going through cancer, I encountered numerous obstacles to care,” Sparks says. “In the infusion chair, I decided to help others remove those barriers so they could have a better quality of life while fighting cancer.”
It’s this personal mission that has shaped the ethos of the C-Suite Center for Hope, which supports individuals from screening and early detection through diagnosis and treatment, and on to survival or sometimes, end of life.
Serving people throughout their cancer journey, services range from educating patients about their treatment plans and coordinating with healthcare teams to providing comfort care products like wigs, hats and chemo shirts, transportation to treatment and support group coordination.
With an unwavering commitment to serving everyone, regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic status, the center offers a range of services aimed at identifying and removing barriers to timely access to care. “Everyone is welcome here,” Sparks emphasizes, highlighting the center’s foundation as a pure non-profit organization.
A day in the life at the center
A typical day at the center is anything but ordinary. Sparks and her team may find themselves in meetings with cancer patients, caregivers and families, coordinating resources, or advocating for cancer policy reform at both the state and federal levels.
“We are in the community advocating every day of the year for our cancer community,” Sparks explains.
C-Suite Center for Hope aims to be a steadfast agent of hope, empowering those battling all forms of cancer. Through fundraising activities, the center provides immediate support and joins research teams working to advance life-saving cancer treatments and cures.
Dreams for the future
Sparks dreams of making community-based cancer patient navigation a nationwide reality. “We are vigilant about health equity as influenced by the social determinants of health. Everyone deserves the same quality of care, period,” Sparks notes.
Her journey, marked by both personal and professional milestones, is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of giving back. As Sparks and her husband look forward to “moving about the planet talking about a world beyond cancer,” her work at the C-Suite Center for Hope continues to offer a guiding light to those navigating the complexities of cancer care, one patient at a time.
For more information, visit c-suitehope.org. Call at 425-626-5141 or email at contact@c-suitehope.org.
