Meet patient navigator team lead Veronica Dalton

Veronica Dalton is the newest member of the proton therapy patient navigation/concierge team. When she was young, her mother died of leukemia, and the experience shaped her commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families. A native of Shoreline, Washington, she spent her childhood playing softball and soccer and feels lucky to have grown up in “one of those neighborhoods where everyone knows everyone.” 

Before joining Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Dalton earned her bachelor’s degree in public health and worked at Cancer Lifeline, a local nonprofit offering free programs and services for cancer patients. The Fred Hutch proton therapy facility partners with Cancer Lifeline for our monthly prostate cancer support group. 

What does a patient navigator at Fred Hutch – Proton Therapy do? 

As the new lead of the patient navigation/concierge team, Dalton is the first in-person point of contact for patients and their families.  

“I help create a welcoming environment by guiding patients through the check-in process, introducing them to the facility and assisting with any non-medical needs they have,” Dalton said. “I work closely with the supportive care staff to help coordinate resources and ensure patients and their loved ones feel informed and supported throughout their experience. You will also find me assisting with transportation, lodging and other helpful community resources.” 

Building meaningful connections with patients

“I started at Fred Hutch in the medical oncology clinic at UW Medicine – Northwest and was immediately intrigued by proton therapy and the innovative treatment offered,” Dalton said. “I became interested in learning more about how proton therapy works and the impact it can have on patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes.” 

Specifically, she was excited to learn about the precise radiation delivery of proton therapy, how much science goes into planning patient treatments and the many people it takes behind the scenes, including engineers, dosimetrists and physicists.  

“It helps so many people, including children,” she said. “Seeing how resilient the kids are has changed my perspective on life.” 

Dalton loves the opportunity to build meaningful connections with patients and their families. Because most patients come in for treatment every day, she’s able to get to know them and their families personally.  

Motivated by her motto — a smile goes a long way — she strives to bring positivity, warmth and compassion to every patient she encounters. 

“I love being a consistent source of comfort and support,” she said. “I have met so many incredible individuals.” 

In her free time, Dalton roots for the Seattle Mariners, builds complex LEGO sets and plays games with friends and family. Her dog Llama Grey — named in part after her all-time favorite show, “Grey’s Anatomy” — also keeps her entertained.  

“I like to laugh, stay curious and learn new things,” she said. “Currently, I’m studying Spanish through Duolingo. I hope it will help me communicate better with some of our patients.”