Green Bay oncology team navigates hope on the cancer journey

PAN is proud to partner with providers and pharmacists who are dedicated to helping patients access their prescribed medications. In our spotlight series, we interview providers and pharmacists from around the country to shed light on their important work and the life-changing impact of patient assistance.

In this provider spotlight we feature Lori Schneider, Business Office Manager and Jacqueline Heroux, Financial Navigator from Green Bay Oncology in Wisconsin.

What is your position and what is most rewarding about your job?

Jacqueline Heroux (JH): I am one of the financial navigators with Green Bay Oncology. Patients come to me with their financial concerns and I assist them in reducing or preventing financial toxicity. It is greatly rewarding to form personal connections with patients.

Lori Schneider (LS): I am the business office manager. I feel lucky to lead a wonderful financial team. The most rewarding part of my job is watching my team help patients and seeing how the patients touch their lives. Our oncology patients are so kind, caring and appreciative. I also enjoy being able to speak nationally about the wonderful program that our team has developed and the services we provide. 

Why did you choose to become a provider?  

JH: My grandfather was a patient at Green Bay Oncology and he shared stories about how great the clinic was. It’s truly rewarding to be a part of this team. I love being able to meet with patients and help them find all the options available to them.

LS: I went into oncology because I watched my mother, father and sister-in-law struggle through their cancer journey. I wanted to make a difference for other people in similar situations. My main goal was to help others, so they wouldn’t have to struggle.

How do you implement the mission of Green Bay Oncology into your daily practice?

JH: I once worked with a patient whose co-pay was thousands of dollars. The patient said there was absolutely no way they would be able to start treatment. I let the patient know that the PAN Foundation had available funding. We applied for assistance and their application was approved. When I told the patient that their entire co-pay would be covered, they started crying and gave me a big hug saying, “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

LS: We regularly see patients that would not be able to get the treatment they need if not for the help of charitable foundations. The help that PAN provides offers patients hope because they know that otherwise they wouldn’t be able to afford treatment.

Working in healthcare is all about tending to the needs of patients. How do you practice self-care when you’re off the clock? What is your favorite way to relax and unwind?

JH: I like to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. I also like to binge watch Netflix   when I get some alone time.

LS: When I’m off the clock, my family is number one. When I have alone time, I like to relax with a good book.