Helping Patients Navigate the Unthinkable – Meet Ronda Boller

GILLETTE, Wyo. - Oct. 11, 2024 - A cancer diagnosis can turn a person's world upside down. The emotional and logistical challenges are immense—managing treatment schedules, navigating insurance, arranging transportation, and juggling appointments can be overwhelming. This is where Campbell County Health’s (CCH) Patient Navigator, Ronda Boller, steps in.

Ronda has spent her career in healthcare and previously served on the CCH Board of Trustees.  When she saw the Patient Navigator position posted, she knew it was the perfect fit. The role, which is grant-funded and one of just a handful of such positions in Wyoming, is essential to the Heptner Cancer Center, where Ronda works every day to make the unthinkable more manageable, easing the burden for cancer patients.

“My job is to eliminate barriers for our patients,” Ronda explains. Whether it's financial concerns, transportation to treatment, or connecting patients with specialists outside of Campbell County, Ronda is there to help.

One particularly challenging time for Ronda was during the Camporee and Sturgis Rally this past year. A patient from South Dakota needed lodging in Gillette for cancer treatment—a stressful and seemingly insurmountable task during those events. Where others might feel overwhelmed, Ronda steps in, finds solutions, and helps patients focus on healing.

No two days are the same for Ronda. Some days, she acts as a scribe for patients during their appointments, sitting with them to ensure they understand the doctor’s recommendations and helping them ask the right questions. On other days, she might be coordinating with providers to host preventative screenings or educating patients on what to expect post-mastectomy. Every day presents a new challenge, and that’s one of the many things Ronda loves about her role.

“My work is different every day,” she shares. “I love working with my patients and being there for them however they need me.”

Ronda makes it a point to meet with all new patients at the Heptner Cancer Center. She reaches out to explain her role and offer support. Some patients are eager for her assistance, while others need time to process. Ronda is always ready, providing a compassionate presence and practical help whenever it’s needed.

Beyond helping patients navigate their treatments, Ronda is also deeply involved in education and prevention efforts. She organizes outreach programs, such as detecting skin cancer early, and works to provide patients with critical information to help them and their families understand what they are facing. Her role is guided by a simple question: “What do the patients need?”

The most challenging aspect of Ronda’s work is addressing the social determinants of health—those non-medical factors that profoundly impact well-being, like housing, transportation, and financial stability. Sometimes, there isn’t a perfect solution, but she works tirelessly to find ways to support patients through these hurdles.

Yet, even with these challenges, Ronda finds deep fulfillment in her role.  Simply being there for patients, listening to their stories, advocating for them, and offering a steady hand through one of the most difficult trials they’ll ever face, is her favorite part of the job.

“That I could do all day long,” she says with a smile.

At CCH, Ronda Boller is more than just a Patient Navigator—she’s a lifeline and friend for the patients at the Heptner Cancer Center, making sure no one faces cancer alone.

About Campbell County Health (CCH): An affiliate of UCHealth, CCH includes an acute care community hospital in Gillette Wyoming; Campbell County Medical Group with nearly 20 clinics; The Legacy Living & Rehabilitation Center long-term care center and the Powder River Surgery Center. With around 80 providers, 1,200 total staff and over 20 specialties, CCH is committed to serving our community by providing a lifetime of care with dedication, skill and compassion.

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