Episode 5 | The Cancer Care Conversation: Empowering Employees Through Information
Episode 5: The Cancer Care Conversation - Empowering Employees Through Information (Time 30:07)
In the fifth episode of our second series on Oncology, GPBCH’s Tom Belmont has a conversation with Patrick Delaney, Executive Director of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Foundation, and Aileen Espiritu, Benefits Manager at Essity. Pat and Aileen discuss why employers should use public, evidence‑based oncology resources, such as the NCCN Guidelines, to help employees understand cancer prevention, treatment, and what to expect throughout a cancer journey. Oncology impacts employers both in direct and indirect ways including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and workplace disruption, so providing clear, trustworthy, health-literate information is essential. They highlight the importance of meeting patients and employees where they are, offering materials they can understand, and supporting them from prevention through diagnosis and treatment. Listen to hear how Pat & Aileen have collaborated in the past and how useful the NCCN guidelines were for Aileen both professionally and personally. See below for our guest’s biographies and we hope you enjoy this episode!
Guest Biographies:
Patrick Delaney, Executive Director, NCCN Foundation
Patrick Delaney is the Executive Director of the NCCN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®). Pat joined the NCCN team in 2021 and is a well-rounded professional with over 30 years of experience in management, strategic planning, sales, change management, government relations, fundraising and constituent care. In his role, Pat supports the development of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients® and other resources that inform and empower people with cancer to take an active role in their care decisions. Additionally, he supports early career investigators and research innovation through the NCCN Foundation Young Investigator Awards Program. Pat’s previous roles include serving as the Regional Vice President and then Director of Donor Development leading the major gift program for the Pennsylvania Division at the American Cancer Society (ACS), followed by Executive Director of the Delmarva Chapter of the American Red Cross, and then Executive Director for the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter at JDRF before making his way to the NCCN Foundation.
Aileen Espiritu, Benefits Manager, Essity
Aileen Espiritu is the Benefits Manager for Essity North America, Inc., a leading global health and hygiene company dedicated to improving well-being through its products and services in over 150 countries. Ms. Espiritu is responsible for managing the Health and Welfare Benefits Program for 3,200 employees in the US. With over twenty years of benefits experience, she has the unique perspective of understanding benefits and its impact to businesses both as a consultant and as an employer. Prior to joining Essity, Ms. Espiritu was a Senior Consultant with Gallagher. Ms. Espiritu enjoys helping employees understand the value of their benefits and taking care of their health, while meeting the goals of the company. Increasing health literacy among employees has been a primary focus in her current role. She has been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health since its inception and participates in the benefit design interest group. She is a committed supporter of employer coalitions and is passionate about strengthening the collective influence of employers in the Greater Philadelphia region.
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