After Patricia’s checkup and some imaging to confirm, she learned she had an ovarian tumor.

“We had always been afraid of this disease due to family history,” Patricia explains. “But no one is ever prepared to hear the word cancer.”

Getting Care

Patricia is a lawyer and artist, and Dixon, a career diplomat, has worked in the Consulate of Colombia in Chicago since 2017. As a result of Dixon’s work, the couple is temporarily living in Chicago.

Upon Patricia’s diagnosis, Dixon remembered a positive experience he had with a physician during a seminar organized by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dixon reached out, and following a recommendation from Northwestern Medicine General Surgeon Steven James Schuetz, MD, he and Patricia contacted Dario R. Roque, MD,a specialist in gynecologic oncology at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Roque is an excellent professional and an even better person, Dixon says, noting that Dr. Roque’s Spanish fluency made communication easier during Patricia’s care journey.

“It is our privilege to provide care for patients like Ms. Mogollón as they face challenging diagnoses,” Dr. Roque says. “I’m so glad we were able to guide her through this journey in her native language.”

After connecting with Dr. Roque, Patricia’s care started quickly. She began with surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Today, Patricia has no evidence of disease, and she continues to have regular checkups with the clinical team.

After the diagnosis, the couple began their search for the best possible care.

Finding Family

Based on Patricia’s positive experience, Dixon decided to start seeking medical care at Northwestern Medicine.

During their time with the health system, the couple has also collaborated with Northwestern Medicine International Health, which arranges care visits for patients from around the globe, providing personal support and assistance throughout their entire healthcare experience.

Between the International Health team and the broader medical staff, Dixon says he and Patricia are beyond grateful.

“Our experience with Northwestern Medicine has been an incredible blessing in the middle of a tragedy,”