Social worker advocates for people diagnosed with cancer

Macie Cox learned first-hand about cancer when her grandfather was diagnosed with lymphoma. Now she serves oncology patients.

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

There are many moments when Macie Cox realizes she has chosen the right career path. She describes one when she sat with a female patient prior to a bone marrow transplant. “As I worked with her on her transplant assessment, I recognized her fears and worries and wondering what was coming next,” said Cox.

As part of her role with IU Health Simon Cancer Center, Cox helps alleviate some of those concerns. On any given day she can be helping a patient secure financial support, housing transportation, billing, and insurance, or navigating their way through the hospitals.

“Each day is different,” said Cox, who joined IU Health two years ago and works in bone marrow transplant. She grew up in Alexandria, Ind. and obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana. She also holds a master’s degree in social work.

During “Social Work Appreciation Month,” Cox shares why she chose her career.

“I went to college undecided but knew I wanted to work in a helping profession,” said Cox, who witnessed the hardships of cancer when her grandfather was diagnosed with lymphoma. During her undergraduate years she completed an internship with a program that supports patients with cancer. “I always knew I wanted to work within the oncology population. I learned I enjoy that type of work but needed to learn more about supporting individuals when they are going through the treatment,” said Cox.

Working with patients has taught her to walk a little kinder through life. “You never know how an individual is feeling internally. With social work, you learn that there is so much under the surface. If someone cuts you off in line at the grocery store, you don’t know what they are going through. My patients have taught me about the gratitude of life,” said Cox. In addition to working on the outpatient side of oncology, Cox facilitates a First Monday Cancer Support Group specifically for bone marrow transplant patients. The group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. virtually and in-person in the Cancer Pavilion Atrium. A light meal is served at 5 p.m. for those meeting in-person. The next meeting will be April 7.

“I lead the group, but I let my patients do the talking,” said Cox. “I enjoy being able to advocate for individuals, and it’s important that they build that community and support. Everything about social work is looking at the dignity and worth of individuals.”

Outside of work, Cox is engaged to be married. She enjoys walking her dog, reading and visiting coffee shops.