Meet Jodi & Sam—dedicated advocates for patient care

During Patient Safety Week, we celebrate the people who go above and beyond to ensure patients feel safe, supported, and cared for. At South Sound CARE Foundation, our research coordinators, Jodi and Sam, play a vital role in this—ensuring that every patient receives not only the best possible care but also compassion, advocacy, and support throughout treatment.

From attending appointments as a second set of eyes and ears to helping navigate complex medical information, Jodi and Sam ensure that no patient ever feels alone.

Here’s what they had to say about their role in supporting patients:

What does patient safety mean to you?

Jodi: Knowing patients can call me anytime and I’ll be there to help—whether it’s answering questions or connecting them with the right person.

How do you help ease fear and uncertainty for patients?

Jodi: By being patient, listening, and ensuring their questions get answered.

Sam: By being there for them and answering their questions honestly and with compassion.

What’s something patients find most valuable about having a research coordinator?

Jodi: The reassurance that they’re never alone—we’re always just a phone call away.

Sam: Having someone on their team who can help out with scheduling appointments and answering questions.

Can you share a moment that reaffirmed why you do this work?

Jodi: A patient recently called, unsure of his specialist’s name. I found the info, and he thanked me—not just for the answer, but for always picking up the phone. It can be something like this—so simple, but it helped ease his mind and to me, that’s a big thing. 

Sam: I can’t think of just one!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a patient who is beginning treatment?

Jodi: Bring a friend or family member with you to your visits. Let your loved ones support you. 

Sam: Keep in mind that your body is fighting a war with cancer. Your job is to let it do its thing but help it along by taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  And when people offer help, let them—it’s their way of showing they care.

"Sometimes as a patient, you feel like you’re another number in the system. But with the CARE team, you feel like you’re noticed, a person—you matter." - Tabatha, CARE patient

Jodi, Sam, and all our healthcare providers across the South Sound and beyond—thank you for your unwavering dedication to patient care. Your expertise, support, and compassion make a big difference, and we’re honored to work alongside you.