NORWAY — The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine has hired Stephanie LeBlond, an oncology social worker, on a part-time basis, to assist with patients’ emotional, financial and basic needs.
Funding for LeBlond’s position is a result of a one-year operating grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation. LeBlond also holds a part-time position as an oncology social worker in the Stephens Memorial Oncology Department.
“We are excited to have Stephanie on board with us,” said Diane Madden, executive director of the center, which was established in 2015 to provide free supportive resources to those affected by cancer. “Stephanie’s experience and passion for working with patients facing the challenges of cancer will have a positive impact in advancing the center’s mission and help meet increasing demands.”
LeBlond brings more than 25 years of social work experience, beginning her career in the area of child welfare at the Department of Health and Human Services. She began her work in oncology in 2019 when she became the oncology social worker at Stephens Memorial Hospital and began often teaming with the Cancer Resource Center to ensure patients’ needs were being met. It was at this point LeBlond and Madden identified that there were many other patients who could benefit from social work support as there are patients in western Maine who receive treatment in Boston and other areas of Maine. Giving these patients access to a social worker who has knowledge of local resources to support them through their cancer treatment is essential.
LeBlond moved to Otisfield two years ago, where she lives with her husband, Troy LeBlond, and has two grown children.