Marysville cancer survivor Robin Sparks wakes up every day with optimism. “I’m hopeful… I wake up every morning thinking, ‘It’s a great day to fight cancer’ because I live each day believing ‘today’s the day we will have a major medical breakthrough that will end cancer as we know it.”
Sparks leads C-Suite Center for Hope, celebrating its second anniversary as a vital organization working to promote cancer research, treatment and care, while supporting patients as a resource center.
“Even if that breakthrough doesn’t come by the end of the day, I remain hopeful because I know we’re one day closer,” she reflects.
Advocacy and community engagement
The C-Suite Center for Hope’s influence extends beyond the local community, reaching the halls of the Washington State Legislature and the United States Congress.
Their advocacy work focuses on crucial issues such as biomarker testing, multi-cancer early detection, prior authorization legislation and increased funding for pediatric cancer research.
The center also champions health equity, working tirelessly to remove barriers and obstacles to timely access to care.
“We are grateful to the American Cancer Society for recognizing our work,” Sparks shares.
“They gave us the ‘Lead the Fight Award’ for our efforts to eliminate suffering and cancer deaths through advocacy.”
Partnerships play a pivotal role in the center’s mission. The C-Suite’s collaboration with Fred Hutch, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Hospital has brought programs to the people of Marysville.
“Our partnership with Fred Hutch and its consortium has been amazing,” says Sparks. “We are moving into advocacy work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, building a bigger army to fight cancer.”
Local support and initiatives
The support from the local community has been overwhelming. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from Mayor Nehring and the people in our Parks and Recreation Department,” Sparks acknowledges. “They’ve created programs for healthy living that are vital to the well-being of our cancer community – for survivors or those still in the fight!”
The Marysville Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary District 5050 awarded the C-Suite with a $20,000 grant, enabling them to purchase new cancer resources such as hats, wigs, scarves, blankets, mastectomy bras and comfort resources for pediatric cancer patients.
The rides to recovery program
One of the most exciting developments at the C-Suite is the launch of the “Rides to Recovery” program. Thanks to the donation of two vehicles from the community, the center can now provide transportation to and from cancer treatments for those without access.
“One of the vehicles is only a year old and has only 2,000 miles on it!” Sparks says. “I can’t say enough about the compassion of the people who live here. They are working with us to expand the reach of the C-Suite to the people who need help.”
“To do real work for the community, you have to be an active part of the community,” Sparks says, noting the center participates in local events, fostering real conversations about cancer and its impact.
Their work with the Washington State Cancer Registry has led to partnerships with other cancer centers in the state, bringing community-based cancer patient navigation to more cities.
Additionally, the C-Suite is part of the Washington Department of Health Coalition’s Cancer Action Plan, helping guide other organizations in addressing cancer burdens common to Washington State.
As the C-Suite Center for Hope embarks on its third year, Robin Sparks remains hopeful and determined. “So much has happened in this past year, I can only imagine what year three will bring,” she adds. With community support, the center continues to prove that every day is a great day to fight cancer.
For more information, visit c-suitehope.org. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for any updates!
