Our Patient Support Advocates
Our Patient Support Advocates will help guide you during your cancer journey— throughout the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up stages of your medical treatment.
Patient Advocates aim to help patients communicate with their healthcare providers to ensure informed decision making, may also help to obtain financial grants, provide referrals, organize estate and healthcare documents and arrange social support,.
Advocates may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers and others who may have an effect on a patient’s healthcare needs.
Adrienne Shields
“ Every day is a new chance to rise, to make change, and to hope together.”
Bachelor's Social Worker/UNC Wilmington/College of Health & Human Services, Patient Advocate
Ashling Beatty
“In the face of hardship, a positive mind becomes a powerful force for change.”
Master's Social Worker/UNCW/College of Health & Human Services/Patient Advocate
MacKenlie Flinchum
"I'm here to be the change I believe in."
Bachelor's Social Worker/UNC Wilmington/College of Health & Human Services, Patient Advocate
Mildred Villines
Federal Work Study Student, UNC Wilmington/ Healing Together Collaboration Team
Ashlyn Weeks
"I want to create the change."
Batchelor's Public Health Intern/East Carolina University/ Healing Together Collaboration Team Services
Erica Atkins
"I am passionate about building relationships that bring comfort during the most challenging times, and I am honored to walk beside patients, offering hope and encouragement throughout their journey."
Federal Work Study Student, UNC Wilmington/Healing Together Collaboration Team
At Hope Abounds Cancer Network, our student advocates are working on an initiative of Healing Together: Restoring Stability for Children and Families Facing Cancer, Hunger, and Homelessness.