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Simran Rai
Dos 772 Dosimetry Clinical Practicum II
Employer Service-Learning Journal

During the summer I had the opportunity of facilitating the sign-up process for the annual

cancer survivor walk held by Northwestern Medicine. This was an enjoyable process as I was

able to help members of the community sign up for the event the day that it was happening since

many of the participants joined the activity only a few hours before the event. I was also tasked

with explaining to participant the route of walk and directing them to event coordinators for

specific questions pertaining to the event. This was all done to provide a seamless registration

process for each walker signing up the day of the event. The event took place in a unique area

starting in Grant Park in Chicago. The city was able to offer a scenic walk for participants while

drawing a great deal of attention to the efforts of Northwestern.

As a volunteer not only was I able to help walkers sign up, but I was also able to speak

with several patients and family members about their experiences receiving care. It felt gratifying

to utilize my experience in radiation oncology to explain a part of the cancer treatment journey.

There were a handful of individuals that had a recent cancer diagnosis or had family member

with one. Many expressed uncertainties about the future and seemed inquisitive about the general

process of care and how it is decided. Although providing an explanation of a radiation oncology

department was not my original objective it turned out be the most engaging and fascinating

among my tasks.

Overall, the experience was quite rewarding as I was able to interact with many

individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds that were going through similar experiences. It

was enjoyable to see patients and caregivers sharing stories that helped normalize the life of a
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cancer survivor. The scenery and atmosphere tied in with all of this helped make the event an

unforgettable experience.

The event page can be found at https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/news/2022/walk-in-

person-for-2022.html

Figure 1. Beginning of Cancer Survivor Walk