The Compassionate Care Award recognizes a patient/nurse navigator (clinical/nurse, community health worker, social worker in the role of a navigator) for his or her outstanding contributions to patient care, support or education. Sarcoma is a challenging disease to navigate alone, and many sarcoma patients need additional support. Navigators assist patients from diagnosis to survivorship, helping them understand their condition and treatments as well as manage side effects; coordinate care among medical specialists; and connect patients to available community resources to overcome barriers to care. They can also help patients manage their psychosocial needs, such as work, school and home environments; relationships; mental and emotional health; and financial concerns. SFA recognizes the important role these individuals play in the sarcoma patient journey.
Jaclyn Cardarelli-Matte, LICSW
Massachusetts General Hospital
Jackie Cardarelli-Matte has been with the Mass General Cancer Center since the start of her clinical social work career in 2016. In her time in Oncology, Jackie has developed a practice focusing on quality of life and advocacy for patients, families, and their varied needs. She is committed to her patients, families, and team members with a collaborative, strengths-based approach. She works with her patients throughout the treatment trajectory, including adjusting to diagnosis and treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care and support. Jackie has a special clinical interest in the needs of the AYA population and has been involved in innovative individual and group approaches to supporting this population. She is eager to continue her contributions to the growth of this important program.