The First Cancer Center on Native Land – From Promise to Reality

Patient Advocacy Voices

What does it take to improve access to specialty care for vulnerable and underserved populations? What if the starting point is a complete lack of specialty care services? When Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of the Northeast Business Group on Health, was told there was no cancer or specialty care on Native American reservations, her first reaction was shock, then it quickly turned to advocacy and action. After years of hard work and perseverance, the first cancer center on native land was opened on the Navajo Nation, whose more than 40K members comprise the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. Sanofi host Eric Racine and co-host Elizabeth Franklin discuss with Kim how she helped bring cancer care tailored to the needs of the Navajo Nation. It’s an incredible story of listening, empathy, relentless dedication, and a promise kept.