10 QUESTIONS WITH
ASHLEY DeGOOYER
Executive director of the American Cancer Society, South Region
1. How did you become involved with the American Cancer Society (ACS)? My education revolved around counseling psychology with an emphasis in social work. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to helping others who are faced with challenges. When I started with ACS as a patient navigator in 2009, it was a great fit. My work gave me the opportunity to serve patients and their families, an experience that changed the way I look at life. In some capacity, most lives have been touched by cancer. Oddly, when I started with ACS I didn’t have a personal connection to the disease. Now, nearly 10 years later, my life has been personally impacted by cancer time and again: aunts, best friends’ family members, childhood friends. People seek me out for support and I’m able to comfort 6 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | OCTOBER 2018
loved ones diagnosed with this disease in ways I couldn’t imagine if my path had been different.
2. You’ve worn a number of hats with the organization. Can you give us a glimpse into each role? My first position as patient navigator allowed me to support newly diagnosed cancer patients through the continuum of care, removing barriers through our programs and supplying resources. I transitioned to become a health systems manager, where I worked directly with top-level executives to promote systems change and incorporate ACS programs. As the senior director of community engagement, I oversaw the Society’s work in metro Phoenix and Tucson, promoting it in the community and aligning it with community partners. My focus
