At Azra AI, we are proud to honor the extraordinary individuals who bring hope, healing, and humanity to cancer care. Our Oncology Hero of the Month series celebrates those whose compassion and commitment make a profound difference every day. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Delmarie Butler, Breast Nurse Navigator at Good Samaritan Medical Center within the Palm Beach Health Network, a true example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
“I’ve been a Breast Nurse Navigator since 2006,” Delmarie shares. “My transition into this field was unexpected but deeply fulfilling. For 18 years, I was a Pediatric nurse and thought that would always be my niche.”
That changed when she was introduced to the world of breast navigation. “I discovered a new sense of purpose when presented with the opportunity to guide women and their families through one of the most difficult times in their lives,” she says.
What began as a new professional opportunity soon became a personal mission. “A meaningful and rewarding job became more of a calling when I realized that supporting patients through their cancer journey is a unique blend of clinical expertise, emotional connection, and ministry of care.”
Every morning, Delmarie begins her day with the same motivation: to make a difference in how her patients experience their cancer journey.
“What motivates me every day is knowing that I can make a difference in how a patient experiences one of the most frightening diagnoses they’ll ever face,” she says. “Each patient’s journey is unique and sacred, and seeing their courage and resilience, even on the hardest days, inspires me to show up and try to be my best self for them.”
Whether it’s calming fears, explaining complex treatment plans, or celebrating milestones, Delmarie approaches each interaction with empathy and grace. “Each interaction is an opportunity to bring comfort and clarity, and to meet them where they are, with caring, compassion, and hope. I truly believe that being a Nurse Navigator is more than a profession; it’s a Healing Ministry.”
Helping Patients Overcome Barriers
Every day, Delmarie helps patients face not only the medical complexities of cancer but also the personal and practical challenges that accompany it.
“Every day, I help patients navigate barriers such as fear, financial hardship, transportation issues, and understanding the complexity of their care,” she says. “Many patients struggle with information overload and anxiety about what’s ahead. My role is to break things down into manageable steps, connect them with resources, and serve as their consistent point of contact.”
“My goal is for my patients to never feel alone and unsupported during their cancer journey.”
- Delmarie Bulter, Breast Nurse Navigator at Breast Nurse Navigator at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Health Network
Of all the patients she has supported, one story stands out in Delmarie’s mind, a testament to the significant impact of patient navigation.
“I recently met a patient who moved from their home state with their teenage child. They were unhoused after the job they had moved for fell through.” Delmarie recalls.
A review of the patient’s medical history revealed that imaging from three years earlier had shown likely signs of breast cancer, but they had not pursued care due to lack of insurance. “I was able to navigate them to getting a free biopsy, enough money to help them get an apartment to live in, and Medicaid so that she could receive treatment for her breast cancer,” Delmarie shares. “It was incredibly rewarding to be able to facilitate such positive changes in the life of a patient.”
For Delmarie, patient stories like this remind her why her work matters, and how advocacy, compassion, and persistence can truly change a life.
Technology That Enhances the Human Touch
Delmarie recognizes that technology plays a critical role in oncology care. “From early detection and precision medicine to telehealth and patient education tools, technology helps us deliver more personalized, efficient, and connected care,” she says.
For navigators, it’s also a valuable bridge between teams. “It allows us to track patients more effectively and communicate seamlessly across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that each patient’s needs are met, and no one falls through the cracks. It’s not about replacing the human touch, it’s about enhancing it.”
Faith, Family, and Finding Balance
Despite her unwavering dedication to her patients, Delmarie acknowledges that self-care is a work in progress. “This is one area where sadly I am lacking,” she admits. “Intellectually, I know that to care well for others, I must also care for myself, but as a working mom, that is easier said than done.”
Delmarie shared that it’s her faith that keeps her grounded in her work and home life. “My faith and involvement in my church are the main things that help me recharge and fill my emotional cup so that I can in turn pour into others.”
Through nearly two decades as a Breast Nurse Navigator, Delmarie Butler has touched countless lives, not only with her clinical skills but with her unwavering compassion and faith. Her work reminds us that oncology care is about far more than treatment; it’s about humanity, hope, and healing.
As Delmarie so beautifully puts it: “I’m honored to be part of a field that allows me to make a difference, one day, one patient, and one act of kindness at a time.” 
In addition to the Oncology Hero recognition, Azra AI has made a contribution to the charity of Delmarie’s choice, The Promise Fund.
“The Promise Fund’s is a local organization whose mission it is to increase survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond,” Delmarie explains. “Their model gives every woman in my community the opportunity to attain health care, regardless of who she is, where she lives, or her level of income. They have been instrumental in assisting some of my patients to receive imaging, diagnostic procedures, and treatment for their breast cancer. I am grateful as a woman and as a Nurse Navigator for the services that they provide.”
Please join us in donating to this organization!
About Azra AI’s Oncology Hero of the Month
The Oncology Hero of the Month – presented by Azra AI, highlights oncology professionals making a meaningful difference in cancer care. Each month, we spotlight one individual who exemplifies the spirit of excellence and innovation in oncology.
Do you know an Oncology Hero who deserves to be recognized?
Nominate them for a feature by emailing us at oncohero@azra-ai.com
