At Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, patient care extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment. Our expert team of physicians and staff work together to ensure each patient receives the medical care, education and tools they need during their stay and upon returning home. For Aran Levine, RN, a clinical nurse specialist at Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, this includes providing vital knowledge and support for cancer patients and their loved ones as they deal with the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment.
On a given day, Aran may teach a patient ways to resolve side effects of a new treatment, coordinate critical cancer experts and resources, or answer complicated questions about the effects of their treatments and living with cancer.
“I go home each day knowing I’ve made a difference – whether it was managing symptoms, helping a family through a difficult situation or just cheering a patient up,” says Aran, who was drawn to oncology after volunteering at a pediatric oncology unit at age 15. “There is nothing else I would rather do.”
With more than 50 types of cancer being treated, Scripps Cancer Center is one of the leading oncology centers in the region. Aran and the rest of the staff rely on community support, including contributions from the annual Spinoff auction, to fund 100 percent of the programs and services they offer.
“Philanthropy is critical,” says Aran. “That is how we are able to provide patient support and the most up-to-date care and technology, with an incredible team of caring staff. That is what makes Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, so special.”