Peer counseling gives UC Davis cancer patients one-on-one support
They could be two old friends getting together in Joan McCarty's Loomis home to chat on a sunny morning – but even though they've spoken many times by phone, this is the first time McCarty and Rona Katz have met in person.
Cancer survivor Rona Katz, left, visits with breast cancer patient Joan McCarty on Wednesday at McCarty's Loomis home. McCarty was diagnosed in May. As her partner in the UC Davis Cancer Center's peer navigation program, Katz answers questions and offers reassurance. "It's comforting to know there's somebody out there to talk to," McCarty says.
Rona Katz, right, has offered to accompany Joan McCarty to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. "It's so important to feel listened to," McCarty says. "This is just the support I need."