From survivor to advocate: How Jenny Brown found her calling in social work

For Jenny Brown, social worker at Riley Children’s Health Pediatric Primary Care, social work isn’t just a job—it’s a lifeline for families who don’t always know that help is available. After an extensive career in communications and marketing and a battle with aggressive breast cancer, Brown now dedicates her life to ensuring patients get the support they need during their most difficult moments.

A journey through resilience

Brown’s path to social work was anything but traditional. In 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By 2019, it had progressed, and she was given just 12 to 18 months to live. She stepped away from work, choosing to focus on her family and travel, but a phase one clinical trial changed everything. “It was a locally funded trial, not something widely recognized,” says Brown. “I had a severe initial reaction, but within months, my tumor was gone.”

With cancer in remission, Brown was determined to give back. She pursued a master’s degree in social work at Indiana University Indianapolis, graduating in the same semester her eldest daughter received her bachelor's degree from IU Bloomington. “I thought I’d just take a few classes, but I kept feeling well, kept doing well, and eventually graduated last spring,” says Brown. “As part of my degree program, I did a practicum with the IU Health Integrated Social Work team and fell in love with clinical social work and talking to families.”

The role of social work in healthcare

Now at IU Health, Brown works with families facing medical and personal hardships, often before they even know to ask for help. “It is such an honor to be part of these moments, whether I’m just writing things down for parents to remember or trying to translate medical terminology into words they understand,” says Brown.

Many patients struggle with new diagnoses, medication adherence or simply making it to appointments. Brown and her colleagues assess these needs and connect families with resources. “Removing barriers to care can be lifesaving,” says Brown.

Social workers also help build trust between patients, families and providers. Whether arranging transportation, securing financial assistance or just listening, Brown sees firsthand how these small interventions make a big impact.

Fighting for change

Beyond her work at IU Health, Brown has become a strong advocate for cancer research funding. She testified before the Indiana House Public Health Committee in support of House Bill 1299, which would provide state funding for breast cancer research.

“Indiana has incredible organizations doing great work to advance treatment for cancer, and it’s all from the generosity of private funding,” says Brown. “I testified to share my story because I think it’s so important to have consistent, dependable funding for cancer research. It takes a long time to get to big breakthroughs.”

Her advocacy highlights an urgent issue: Without stable funding, critical research—like the trial that saved her life—may not exist for future patients.

Strengthening social work at IU Health

Brown is also part of IU Health’s continued efforts to expand patient-centered services, allowing social workers to provide more seamless, comprehensive care. She says,

“The Integrated Social Work team that I’m part of is growing, and we support hundreds of IU Health clinics serving patients at every life stage. I am one of two full-time social workers embedded in the downtown pediatric primary care clinic. I think this is a massive investment in patient care.”

Though social work can be challenging, Brown is motivated by the strength of the families she helps and the dedication of her colleagues.

A lifelong commitment to helping others

Her journey from patient to advocate to social worker has given her a unique perspective on healthcare and the power of compassionate care.

“I was fortunate to have access to life-saving treatment and support, and now I get to help others in their journeys,” says Brown.

As IU Health celebrates Social Work Month, Brown’s story is a powerful reminder of the vital role social workers play—ensuring that no patient or family has to navigate life’s hardest moments alone.