Lynn resident Yovanny Fana honored by MGH

LYNN – North Shore Medical Center’s (NSMC) oncology patient navigator, Yovanny Fana, has been selected by The Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) Cancer Center to it’s “one hundred list.” This list honors organizations and individuals who helped advance the fight against cancer.Fana, of Lynn, is an oncology patient navigator at the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers. A native of the Dominican Republic, Fana is the advocate, interpreter and companion to many patients as they undergo treatment. She helps cancer patients navigate the health care system and is the only Spanish-speaking patient navigator in the center.”I first became aware of a language barrier in medical care when my uncle was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago,” says Fana. “It was a real eye opener. It is so hard for people not familiar with the English language to get what they need.””Working with cancer patients became my passion,” Fana said. “My patients all have my cell phone number, and if they are experiencing any difficulties or challenges, they know they can call me. I think part of the reason the program has been successful is that I am a good listener.”Her colleagues appreciate the work she does for cancer patients and recognize her tireless effort to always go beyond the normal expectations.”Yovanny empowers patients in need to negotiate our system and bridge cultural divides,” says Mass General/ North Shore Cancer Center oncologist, Dr. Lauren Dias. “She is incredibly generous with her time and frequently visits patients after hours. When Yovanny is involved, I know the patients will have the extra support they need to receive treatment they deserve.”Fana has worked at NSMC for four years.Each year since 2008, 100 individuals, groups and organizations from all walks have been selected to the “One Hundred List.” Nominations were accepted through the one hundred website and came from sources across the country and around the globe.