Meet the Care Team: Color’s Care Advocates

Cancer can feel like an overwhelming journey, filled with questions, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. In these moments, patients don’t just need medical expertise—they need someone to walk alongside them, guiding them through the complexities of their care and providing support every step of the way. That’s where Color’s Care Advocates step in.

Care Advocates are a key part of Color’s Virtual Cancer Clinic and provide patient-centered advocacy, education, and navigation to patients enrolled in our Virtual Cancer Clinic. All Care Advocates at Color are certified by the American Cancer Society Leadership in Oncology Navigation (ACS LION). They have extensive experience and deep knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance coverage, and resources related to cancer care, which helps them support patients in the following ways:

• Scheduling and coordinating appointments: Care Advocates help patients schedule virtual and in-person appointments, including screenings and follow-ups, handling communication with providers and obtaining cost estimates.
• Facilitating communications: They serve as the main point of contact, ensuring smooth communication between patients, Color clinicians, and external healthcare providers.
• Educating and supporting patients: They provide education about cancer risks, treatment options, and insurance coverage, connecting patients with resources like support groups and financial aid options.
• Promoting engagement in patients’ care: Care Advocates encourage patient engagement by proactive outreach, reminding them about screenings and following up on missed appointments.
• Navigating the healthcare system and insurance: They assist with finding primary care providers, pre-authorizing services, obtaining cost estimates, and addressing billing issues, acting as advocates for patients within the complex healthcare system.

We sat down with two of Color’s Care Advocates, Tae Drumright and Nicola Lubliner, to learn more about them, their experiences, and their roles: 

What inspired you to become a Care Advocate?

Nicola: I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and my career has always been very customer-focused. In this role, I get to help people overcome healthcare challenges, like finding care and navigating health insurance—both of which can be really difficult. I enjoy making a tangible impact by helping patients schedule their appointments, get the necessary transportation to care, supporting with authorizations or denials, and just overall, improving their experience. When the opportunity to become a Care Advocate arose, I was excited to take on a role where I could really make a difference.

Tae: I was inspired by the work I did before becoming a Care Advocate, which was a part of Color’s TelePrep program where I helped patients access PEP and PrEP medications. That was my first experience working closely with patients, and I really enjoyed it. When the opportunity to join the Care Advocate team came up, and after talking to others already involved, it felt like a natural next step—another chance to work one-on-one with patients in a meaningful way.

What do you find most rewarding about supporting patients through their cancer journey?

Nicola: I find it so rewarding to be a source of comfort for patients. Helping them tackle obstacles like scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, and even overcoming language barriers means so much to me. It’s satisfying to know I’ve treated them with the same care I’d want for myself or a loved one. Hearing feedback, like when a patient says they wouldn’t have completed their cancer screening tests without Color, is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing I’ve helped make their journey smoother is why I love what I do.

Tae: For me, the most rewarding part is being able to take something off of someone’s plate. There’s so much that goes into cancer care—whether it’s screenings, waiting for results, dealing with a diagnosis, or navigating post-treatment challenges. Even small things, like scheduling appointments or finding facilities on their behalf, can make a world of difference to someone who’s already carrying so much. Knowing I’m there to check in and support them is incredibly fulfilling.

What’s the biggest challenge you see patients facing today, and how does Color help address it?

Tae: One of the biggest challenges I see is just getting started—like taking that first step to get screened. There are so many reasons why that can feel overwhelming or out of reach for people. Color really helps by making screenings more accessible, whether it’s through at-home testing or other options like SkinIO. I find our partnership with SkinIO to be especially interesting – it’s AI-powered and allows people to do a full-body skin exam with their smartphone in just 10 minutes. These types of tools make the process more convenient and less intimidating, which can make all the difference in getting people started.

Nicola: I agree with Tae – The biggest challenge I see is that many patients don’t know where or how to start. It can be so overwhelming. At Color, we simplify things by scheduling consultations, sending at-home testing kits, sourcing providers, and verifying insurance. We take on the legwork, saving patients time and stress. What’s great is that patients don’t need to rely solely on technology to access support; we’re also available by phone to guide them every step of the way.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone newly diagnosed with cancer, what would it be?

Nicola: For those who have Color, I’d tell them to take advantage of all the resources we provide. Whether it’s Cancer Connect, survivorship tools, or our various videos and guides, there’s so much available to support them. We have board certified oncologists, oncology nurses, and experts that are here to help you, answer any questions you have, and make sure you are getting the best treatment the guidelines recommend.No question is too small or unimportant—we are all here to make their journey easier.

Tae: Similar to Nicola, I’d say to lean on all the support and resources available to you. Your personal support system—like family and friends—and your medical team are going to be your biggest assets as you move forward. There are also so many programs out there to help, and Color Care Advocates enable proper hand offs with them as needed. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are people ready to guide you and make sure you have the assistance you need, so don’t hesitate to lean on them.

When you’re not working, what’s your favorite way to recharge?

Tae: I love going for walks—I try to take at least one stroll every day. I also really enjoy reading, and Saturday night karaoke is a favorite ritual of mine.

Nicola: I also love going for walks and spending time in nature. I’m an avid gardener in the summer and enjoy growing everything from flowers to potatoes. Another hobby of mine is knitting socks—it’s something I find relaxing. I also cherish having meals with my family, where we can connect and share what’s going on in our lives.

What advice would you give to you?

Nicola: Don’t procrastinate when it comes to healthcare. I try to always schedule my annual appointments as early as possible to get them out of the way. With programs like Color’s, there’s no reason to hesitate. We have so much support available—doctors, genetic counselors, and Care Advocates—all working together to make things easier for patients. My advice is to take advantage of these resources and get started right away.

Tae: I’d tell them that early screening is everything. The sooner cancer is detected, the better your chances are of beating it. Knowledge is power, and having that information allows you to make informed decisions and take control of your health. It’s a simple step that can have such a huge impact.