On April 3, our Community Scientist Kristie Hill participated in the UF Health Cancer Center’s Cardio-Oncology Symposium. As part of a panel titled “Patient Advocate: My Journey with Cardiotoxicity”, Kristie and her father, Mr. Bruce Hill, shared a deeply personal story of caregiving, advocacy, and partnership.
Mr. Hill has been living with leukemia for over two decades. Now facing new cardiovascular challenges, he courageously took the stage to share his experience as a long-term survivor navigating the realities of cardiotoxicity. Kristie, in turn, offered the perspective of a caregiver, reflecting not only on the emotional journey but also on the critical need for healthcare providers to support both patients and caregivers beyond the diagnosis.
As both a daughter and a Community Scientist, Kristie highlighted the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Reflecting on her participation, she said: “My goal is simple: to bridge the gap between patients, caregivers, and providers because our stories matter, and they can lead to better care for everyone.” When lived experiences are part of the conversation, care becomes more compassionate, informed, and effective.
We are grateful to Kristie and Mr. Hill for sharing their story and reminding us why community perspectives are essential to improving health outcomes.
