For the last quarter of a century, Mary Lanz has made connections for patients and families at Texas Children’s. As a Spanish interpreter for the Cancer and Hematology Center for the last 17 years, she has helped families through some of the most difficult times of their lives. For Mary, it’s so much more than interpreting, it’s helping families.
“When I started interpreting, I never thought I would make a career out of this and it would become my passion,” Mary said. “Many of my family members have died of cancer, so I don’t know if that is why I love doing so much or if it’s because this work is so fulfilling and rewarding. It’s also a reminder to be thankful for what I have.”
Mary starts each morning filled with gratitude and appreciation for her life. Witnessing the struggle her patients and families endure every day keeps her grounded and thankful. This has always been more than a job for Mary; it’s a calling and one she’s willing to answer every day. “I love what I do, and I do it from the heart. I give all of me to help the patients and families. I don’t just interpret; I have a bond with these families, and they are part of my family. I feel in the middle of their suffering I can bring joy, hope and love to them just by being me “crazy and funny Mary.” I make them laugh, I hug them, I dance with them and just try to distract them at least for a small time.”
Beyond interpreting, Mary is quick to connect her families with those in the hospital who can help. Whether it’s getting further explanation from the doctor on the patient’s care, a financial counselor to help with insurance or a social worker to advise when they have financial struggles, Mary stays in tune with their needs to connect them with the right contacts.
Mary is also quick to jump in as problem solver. “A mom didn’t understand how to give the medicines to her child, so I invented a color code system for her,” she said. “Another time, I helped a mother who couldn’t read or write. She had to give her child several medications, so together we made a simple chart — a sun for the morning, a sandwich for lunch and a moon for nighttime. We used colors and drawings so she could follow the schedule easily.”
Mary’s enduring gratitude has translated into more than just a career, but a lifetime of compassionate care. “What we do here at the Cancer and Hematology Center every day is service with heart. We give love, hope, joy, support and first-class care to our patients. At the end of the day, I look up at the sky and say, thank you for my day and for being able to help all these families and make a difference in their lives.”