In addition to a career in healthcare as a registered nurse and home health clinical operations manager, Mione has spent decades breeding black and silver miniature schnauzers.
“My dogs are such a comfort to me,” Mione said. “Having a passion that brings me joy has been very fulfilling and is key to my peace of mind as a cancer patient and cancer survivor.”
In 2023, Mione sought a second opinion for persistent back pain, which turned out to be a cancerous tumor near her spine. “Being a nurse, I knew City of Hope is where the best of best are, when it comes to cancer research and treatment,” Mione said.
She consulted closely with colorectal cancer specialist Pashtoon Kasi, M.D., the medical director of gastrointestinal medical oncology for City of Hope Orange County, and Andreas M. Kaiser, M.D., the chief of colorectal surgery for City of Hope, who together developed and implemented a comprehensive care plan.
“They were so welcoming, like everyone who’s cared for me at City of Hope, and I could tell they had really done their homework,” Mione said. “Just like I anticipated, they are highly regarded experts in my specific type of cancer. When they came in to meet me, they knew all of my medical history; and when I first shook their hands, I felt like I knew them.”
That combination of expertise and empathy meant a lot to Mione, especially as she tackled the idea of needing help — “not the easiest thing for a self-reliant person like me,” Mione says. And although she has more than 25 years of experience in nursing, being on the receiving end of cancer care was an adjustment for Mione. However, Mione quickly appreciated how crucial — and meaningful — it can feel to have others to lean on.
While a cancer diagnosis can feel scary and all-consuming, Mione encourages others to trust in City of Hope’s cancer-focused expertise.
“City of Hope has made all the difference in my treatment and survivorship. In my book, City of Hope is the all-time champion when it comes to fighting cancer — nowhere else comes close.”
Today, as her healing journey continues successfully, Mione is devoting herself to the 2025 California dog show circuit. Her “teenage” dog, Blackjack, recently competed in the Palm Springs Kennel Club Dog Show, and her handler, Gabriel Rangel, won several best-in-shows with his Welsh Terrier.
For those starting a journey with cancer, Mione says, “You do have to accept that you're going to need some support and dependence, even if it’s not the easiest thing to do. That’s okay. You’re going to get through that. Keep following your passion in life and stay positive.”
Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. We’re revolutionizing cancer science and setting a bold new standard for what’s possible. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673).
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