PATIENT STORIES Living Walls at Sutter Cancer Center

In 2016, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento renamed our infusion therapy center the Mikuni Infusion Center, in honor of Mikuni Charitable Foundation’s ongoing contributions totaling more than $850,000 to Sutter Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Navigator Program over the past 20 years.

The Breast Cancer Navigator Program assigns a nurse to act as a personal patient guide and advocate, helping people understand their diagnosis, explore treatment options and recovery at their own pace.

Thanks to world-renowned Sacramento performance artist David Garibaldi, patients waiting at the Mikuni Infusion Center can now enjoy artwork he calls “Living Walls,” inspired by memories of those who have survived cancer. Mr. Garibaldi said, “While people sit here, I want them to be inspired by this painting. Every time they come here, I want them to be able to find something new and compelling.”

He purposefully made them very colorful pieces, in part to bring cheer to patients and their families, but also because the Arai family is so colorful, he said.

Sutter Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Navigator Program has touched the lives of more than 4,600 woman and men diagnosed with breast cancer. They strive to make patients’ journey as smooth as possible by assigning a navigator to act as their personal guide and advocate. The breast cancer navigators are nurses who understand breast cancer diagnosis and care and can provide information that includes:

• Understanding your diagnosis
• Exploring treatment options
• Receiving support beyond medical care
• Learning about chemotherapy and managing side effects
• Preparing for radiation therapy
• Preparing for surgery
• Recovering at home after surgery
• Clarifying clinical trial opportunities
• Managing financial issues related to care
• Recovering after treatment has ended

The Breast Cancer Navigator Program and the new art at the Mikuni Infusion Center are just two examples of the way philanthropy touches patients’ lives every day.