As a research manager at UNC Lineberger, Patty Spears, BS, FASCO, provides scientific leadership and guidance to advance translational trials and data management for breast cancer research trials. She also leads several advocacy initiatives at UNC Lineberger, including the Patient Advocates for Research Council, and is a part of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement.
“Patient advocacy in research is a passion of mine that comes from my own diagnosis of breast cancer in 1999 and liver cancer in 2022. And like many others, I have family members who have been diagnosed with cancers,“ Spears said.
Here’s a few minutes with Patty Spears.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in cancer research and patient advocacy?
I have been a volunteer advocate since high school. My cancer advocacy began after my diagnosis of breast cancer in 1999. At that time, I was leading an AIDS care team in my church and working as a scientist at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in bacterial pathogenesis.
Switching my advocacy from AIDS to breast cancer was an easy transition. After 30 years of working at the bench and volunteering in cancer advocacy, I was faced with looking for a new job. This led me to accepting a position at UNC as a scientific research manager and patient advocate in 2017.
Now, I focus on patient and community advocacy in the office of Community Outreach and Engagement.
Why is serving this patient population important to you?
Many patients at UNC are interested in research and have volunteered to be research advocates for Lineberger. I am impressed with their passion and commitment to improving the lives of all cancer patients through research. They are dedicated and are always thinking of new ways to make a difference.
We now have a committed group of advocates through our UNC Lineberger Excellence in Advocacy Program (LEAP). This has made it easier for UNC Lineberger cancer researchers to engage patients and community members in their research. This adds urgency and the human element to the research they do.
What is your most memorable moment with a patient?
All my interactions with our patient and community advocates inspire me every day. It is hard to choose just one moment. I love when patients and researchers have meaningful conversations about how working together can improve the lives of patients.
One memorable moment happened after a science meeting. At the meeting, a researcher was saying how hard it was to get fresh tissue for his research. A patient advocate in the audience began a discussion with one of the surgeons who was also in the audience and as a result of their conversation, we started the Patient And Researchers Together (PART) program.
This program looks at how to add value to patients who donate tissue for research. The goal of PART is to highlight the importance of donating tissue to advance research to the benefit of cancer patients.
What advice do you have for someone entering research advocacy?
Jump in and see what you like to do and what fits with your personal advocacy goals. There are many ways patient and community advocates can be involved at UNC Lineberger.
If someone is interested, they can join LEAP. There are also learning opportunities for LEAP members. We provide a research advocate orientation webinar and an educational webinar series.
I began by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations which had a mission I was passionate about. Becoming familiar with other advocates with similar interests is a good way to find more ways to become involved.
What was your very first job?
I worked when I was in high school as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital.
When I began my science training, I worked part-time at Burroughs Wellcome and the NIEHS in the Research Triangle Park during college.
My first full-time job was at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine as a research technician in a bacterial pathogenesis lab.
My first job as a patient advocate is the position I currently have at UNC.
What helps keep you motivated?
Knowing so many patients who have cancer comes with many highs and lows. Every time I am advocating for the latest research or clinical trial, I think of those who have benefited from a phase I drug in a clinical trial, when they had no other options.
I think of myself and family members who may one day benefit from a new treatment. I also remember those who have not survived. I feel a responsibility to carry their voices forward. These are the voices that are not heard but need to be heard. Too many people are still dying from cancer and at younger ages.
As a cancer survivor, I try to advocate for better treatments that help all patients live longer and live better.