When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it comes with a range of emotions for patients and their loved ones. It can be overwhelming, a blur – and integrating systems of support are often not front of mind.
At age 12, Kelli Sargent learned about her mom’s first cancer diagnosis, with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma. At that time, cancer was still thought of as the “C” word, with a quiet voice, she said. When Sargent’s mom was diagnosed 10 years later with her second cancer, stage III ovarian cancer, the power of community, advocacy and complementary therapies captured Sargent’s heart.
Sargent lost her mother, Nanci Sargent, to ovarian cancer in 2008.
"I remember her with smiles and gratitude, but even with the strength she showed each day, no one should have to face cancer and no one should ever have to face it alone. I was inspired by the way she organically wanted to help others, before and during cancer, and that inspired me to support and advocate for others just like my mom did so beautifully," said Sargent, the new administrative director for the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology.
Advocating for others
Sargent, a Los Angeles native, has worked for philanthropic organizations for nearly 20 years. With degrees in sociology and paralegal studies, advocating for others has long been a part of Sargent’s work.
It was when she turned her Master's thesis into a reality by creating a 5K run/walk for ovarian cancer research and awareness that her connection to this work really became a passion, personally and professionally.
She fits right in with the Simms/Mann approach of "treating the whole person."
"Working for Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology is a gift. The Center’s work in treating the mind, body and spirit is led with compassion and expertise," Sargent said. "I am excited and grateful to work with such a dedicated team utilizing pioneering modalities to treat the whole person."
Simms/Mann offers free services including counseling, mindfulness, art therapy support groups, and a broad range of other resources.
"Simms/Mann is a national model for integrative oncology and psychosocial care,” Sargent said. “A core component of my role is program development with an emphasis on growing and expanding our free services in all 20 of UCLA Health’s oncology clinics, from Orange County to San Luis Obispo. This includes developing new wellness classes such as yoga, meditation, movement offerings and more."
"What sets Simms/Mann apart is our support services are designed to complement the outstanding clinical care you receive at UCLA Health," Sargent said. "We recognize that a cancer diagnosis effects people differently. We meet them where they are at and customize our support. For some, this means building strength and resiliency from treatment through survivorship. For others, this might mean supporting a patient’s hope of dignity and control at the end of life.
“My mom was always interested in complementary practices, whether it was exercise or acupuncture or crystals, or just being with friends and enjoying togetherness in the community,” Sargent said. “It was always something that was organic within her.”
Sargent honored her mother by starting the 5K run/walk called "Run For Her," to raise money for ovarian cancer research and awareness and to generate a community of support for people with cancer and their loved ones. The event, held nationally for 10 years, from 2005 to 2014, raised more than $7 million.
Given the tenacity that’s in her DNA, it is no wonder Sargent has found herself at Simms/Mann.
Bringing heart to health care
"I'm extremely impressed at the level of knowledge amongst our Simms/Mann clinicians and facilitators,” Sargent said. “But beyond the expertise, what really strikes me is the compassion that everyone shows to patients and their loved ones. “It warms my heart. Seeing the connection they make while caring for patients is truly remarkable, and it really helps people to feel better."
By connecting with patients and their loved ones on a personal level, she said, the Simms/Mann team encourages healing and well-being.
Sargent’s experience with her mother showed her the value of taking a personal approach to cancer care.
"I know how scary it is when you get a diagnosis, and how tough it is to go through the treatments. I observed and lived through that with my mother," she said. “I also experienced the invaluable impact of community, access to resources, the power of conversation, and the need to expand the many resources of support.”
"The opportunity to further develop our program offerings is a responsibility I hold close to my heart and one that I am motivated by each day,” she said.
One thing is for sure – no matter how much Simms/Mann grows, it will always be personal for Sargent. Helping patients and their families will always make her think of her mother, and how she wants every patient to be treated the way she would treat her mom.
“She is always with me, every day,” Sargent said. “She used to say to people, 'You are in my heart pocket,' to let them know how much she cared and would be thinking of them. So now I carry her always in my heart pocket. That's how I want the community to think of cancer patients."
