I have Stage IV Merkel Cell Carcinoma. I was so frightened when I discovered that I had a recurrence to my liver and needed immunotherapy as soon as possible. My oncologist had ordered immunotherapy to start that week considering how aggressive MCC is. I decided to have the infusions done at City of Hope's satellite office in the city where I live because Duarte is a lengthy drive for us. After my insurance approved the authorization, I could not get an appointment scheduled at my local City of Hope office. They weren't allowing me to talk directly to the scheduler, and they had several reasons about why the appointment couldn't be made immediately. I contacted Deanna Riggle and told her the situation and let her know how upset I was because I needed the treatment now. She went above and beyond for me. She said she would look into everything. She made sure the authorization was in place and that their referral to my local City of Hope office was correct. She assured me they were. She let me know she would figure out how to get me an appointment or bring me back to Duarte, if necessary. She told me not to worry, we would find a way. She kept open communication on everything that was happening to help me. Deanna even went a step further and contacted a City of Hope Advocate to contact my local COH office management and all the departments involved, to get a resolution and an appointment made. I was contacted that day by that advocate who communicated with everyone to get the situation figured out. When I was thanking the advocate for her help getting the situation resolved, she told me that Deanna really pushed for me as well and was also my advocate to get the appointment that I needed so badly.

This is not the only example of how Deanna is such an amazing, compassionate, caring, and understanding nurse. Every time I need something, she answers me right away. She responds to me like my needs, questions, and concerns are urgent. I know she is busy with all she has to do each day, yet she always gets right back to me which brings me such peace of mind and confidence. I have never had a nurse be so supportive and attentive the way she is. She makes me feel special and that she is listening to me. She has handled every issue, conflict, and worry I have had, and each time tells me if I need anything she is here for me. I couldn't ask for better support, encouragement, or help than she provides me. 

She is a phenomenal nurse who deserves to be recognized for being so extraordinary. She goes the extra mile and makes you feel like I am an important person and patient. I trust her and cherish her, and I will always feel grateful to have her on my cancer journey. I'm forever thankful for her authentic compassion and dependable assistance. City of Hope, Duarte is fortunate to have such a wonderful nurse who truly cares. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have her as well.