For years, Dana Fischer has been a familiar smile at Lakewood, someone who loves making people feel at ease.
At Lakewood’s Motley Clinic, where she works as a beloved patient access representative, those connections are especially meaningful. Dana has lived in the Motley–Staples area her entire life, and many of the people she welcomes are neighbors and longtime friends.
“Every day without fail, I get the pleasure of helping people that I know personally,” she said. “If you know me, I am a chatty person and love connecting with the people of my community.”
Now, as Dana undergoes treatment for breast cancer, the care she has helped extend to others is surrounding her in return.
A lifetime of Lakewood connections
Dana’s connection with Lakewood Health System began long before her career. She has been a patient since she was 3 years old, and her mother, Jeneane Mayberry, worked as an RN at Lakewood for 33 years.
Following in her mother’s footsteps just felt natural.
Over a combined 26½ years with Lakewood, Dana has served in several roles. She spent her first five years as a certified resident assistant at the care center before stepping away to marry and raise her children. When both children were in school full time, she returned in 2005 to work in the clinic setting.
“I’ve never looked back,” she said.
Along the way, she watched Lakewood grow. And she left a small, lasting mark of her own. During construction of the main campus in 2005–06, Dana wrote her name and the date on one of the building’s lower-level beams.
Years later, her connection to that campus would take on a personal meaning.
Routine mammogram changes everything
On July 13, 2026, Dana arrived for her routine mammogram. She had always been diligent about her annual physicals and mammograms, and the morning began much like previous visits.
Before she had even left the main campus, her phone rang. The radiology technologist asked her to return for an ultrasound at the radiologist’s request.
Following the ultrasound, Dr. Michael Brickner spoke with Dana about an area he wanted to biopsy. The team completed the procedure that day.
Three days later, the results confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked and probably devastated with the original news that I had cancer,” Dana said.
Her family medicine physician, Dr. Stephanie Kray, called to discuss the findings and helped connect her with Lakewood’s cancer team. Even in those difficult first days, Dr. Kray recognized the outlook that has always been part of who Dana is.
“Dana is definitely a glass-half-full type of person. She radiates a positive attitude and energy,” Dr. Kray said. “When faced with her breast cancer diagnosis, this did not change. She remained focused, forward-thinking, and ready to embrace this new challenge.”
Having a team ready to work together helped move Dana’s care forward.
“Having a great team at Lakewood to collaborate with helped me quickly guide Dana from diagnosis to arranging the next steps for her treatment phase,” Dr. Kray said, adding, “And she is rocking it!”
Soon, Lakewood Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Emily McGovern and nurse practitioner Jessica Nybakken had outlined her treatment plan, and general surgeon Dr. Craig Henson placed a port for her infusions.
The support was immediate.
“Our cancer team is like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. I’m not sure how else to explain it,” Dana said with a smile.
Dr. McGovern shared that Dana’s description of her cancer team captures exactly how the oncology team hopes every patient will feel.
“To me, that cozy blanket represents our entire oncology team. We strive to surround our patients with hope, kindness, and care. We want every patient to feel supported, heard, and never alone throughout their journey.”
Familiar faces, extraordinary comfort
Dana began immunotherapy and chemotherapy in mid-August. Her current plan anticipates completing her treatments in early to mid-January, followed by surgery in early spring to remove any remaining tissue.
Weekly appointments have also brought the comfort of familiar faces.
There is Monica Johnson from customer experience greeting her at Entrance B. There are her patient access colleagues and cancer center team members helping her through check-in, labs, provider visits and infusions.
And there are nurses Sheri Schmitz and Amy Lind, whom Dana has known through many years of clinic work.
“I honestly couldn’t be any more comfortable,” she said.
She appreciates the kindness and skill of the entire infusion nursing team, along with the convenience of having her care available under one roof.
For someone who has spent years helping patients feel welcome, those everyday interactions now mean something more. And Dana brings her own warmth to each visit.
“Dana makes our job easy — she is truly a rockstar,” Dr. McGovern shared. “Her optimism, cheerful spirit, and fun personality bring so much joy to our clinic. It’s a privilege to care for her, and she reminds us every day that while we’re here to support our patients, they give us so much back in return.”
Supported by her Lakewood family
Dana’s coworkers have found thoughtful ways to remind her she is cared for beyond her appointments.
Her supervisor, Jen Hjelmstad, fully supported her need to take time away from work. Her patient access teammates regularly check on her progress. During one infusion appointment, they surprised her with giant baskets filled with items they hoped would make life a little easier.
“I’m so grateful for all of them,” Dana said.
That support joins the love she receives from her children, Tanner and Madison, and her sister, Kelly.
“We have cried a little and laughed a lot!”
Looking ahead with hope
While Dana’s cancer diagnosis has brought some uncertainty and difficult days, it has also made her more aware of the blessings she counts daily.
Her Christian faith, her family and her sense of humor help her navigate what comes next.
“The cancer journey is so weird and random. You just have to find the positives and make the best of it.”
She knows her care will continue after chemotherapy and surgery. She and Dr. McGovern have discussed the months ahead, and Dana remains focused on the goal of having no cancer cells present.
She is also grateful she kept her mammogram appointment — the routine visit that set her diagnosis and treatment in motion.
Through it all, Dana remains herself: warm, talkative and quick to find a little humor. Even when asked about a photo for her story, her response came with a smile.
“Just give me a heads up so I can look my bald best!”
🔗 To learn more about our cancer care, go to: Comprehensive Cancer Care | Lakewood Health System
Above: When faced with her breast cancer diagnosis, Dana has remained positive and ready to embrace any challenges. (Photo courtesy of Dana Fischer.)
Top photo: Dr. Emily McGovern checks in on Dana during a recent appointment at Lakewood Cancer Center.