Meet Kristi Evans

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristi Evans. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kristi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose began with a deeply personal chapter in my own life. Facing breast cancer firsthand gave me an intimate understanding of the fear, confusion, and overwhelming decisions that come with the diagnosis. I first felt that this experience was going to break me…it didn’t. Instead, it lit a fire in me. I had the most amazing navigators who guided me, supported me, and loved me through the scariest journey of my life. I knew when I had finished all surgeries and treatment that I wanted to be a breast cancer patient navigator. I was hired by the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center in September, 2012. As a certified patient navigator, I use my story, my compassion, and my knowledge to guide women through one of the hardest times in their lives with clarity, empathy, and hope. I found my purpose in being that calm, steady presence for women with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I work in the most amazing place – The Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Our center offers non-medical support services for anyone with any type of cancer diagnosis at no charge to the patient. You also do not have to be a Baylor patient to utilize our services. Our services are tailored to each patient’s individual needs. We offer patient navigation from diagnosis through survivorship, education, connection to community resources, emotional support, support group for women’s cancer, yoga, and art therapy which all helps our patients to thrive through cancer and beyond into survivorship. When you hear those three little words, “You have cancer,” your world literally feels like it has gone “off the rails.” We are here to help patients get back on track navigating what can often be a very confusing healthcare continuum. I experienced all of the JKCRC’s services when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. I cannot imagine having traveled the breast cancer journey without having this center and my navigators on my team!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey from breast cancer patient to certified breast cancer patient navigator, I learned important lessons and developed valuable skills. My first hand experience with breast cancer gave me an unmatched level of empathy. I understand the emotional rollercoaster – fear, grief, frustration, hope – because I lived it. This emotional insight allows me to connect deeply with patients in a way that builds trust and eases their burden. Also through my personal experience, I learned how complex and intimidating the healthcare system can be. I gained the skills to interpret medical jargon, ask the right questions, and advocate effectively. I now pass these tools on to patients helping them feel empowered and informed every step of the way.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I had only one decade left to live, I would do exactly what I am doing right now – helping women navigate breast cancer diagnoses, traveling with my husband, family, and best friends, creating art, reading, and laughing!!!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kevans2300