Honoring Nurses Who Make a Difference in the Lives of Cancer Patients

(NewsUSA) - A diagnosis of cancer brings a variety of unwelcome struggles and emotional pitfalls. Throughout a patient's treatment journey, oncology nurses are consistently on the front lines, readily available to be the important link between patients and their team of medical professionals.

CURE magazine's 2009 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, sponsored by Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc., showcases the differences that nurses have made in the lives of cancer patients. The award provides special recognition to nurses for their unwavering expertise and dedication.

More than 150 cancer patients and caregivers submitted essays nominating oncology nurses who exemplify these characteristics.

This year's winner, Christine Wilson, RN, Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, Ohio), was presented with this special award by mistress of ceremonies Peggy Fleming, a former ice skater, Olympic gold medalist and breast cancer survivor, during a reception at the Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS) 34th Annual Congress.

Christine was recognized by her former patient, Delaney Diggs, who was six years old at the time of treatment, and Delaney's mother, Renée La Forest. Christine was described in the essay as "inspirational" with "boundless energy and enthusiasm" who "remained a consummate professional while bringing a positive spirit of hope and encouragement."

In addition, the two finalists, Nadeen Robinson, RN, BSN, OCN, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center (New York), and Marianne Sacks, RN, CCM, Aetna Patient Management (Blue Bell, Pa.), were recognized at the ceremony.

"The Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing provides patients the opportunity to thank their nurses for their devotion and exemplary work, and for making a difference in their lives," said Kathy LaTour, Editor-at-Large, CURE magazine. "It is heartwarming to see so many patients recognize the commitment of their nurses."

An excerpt from the winning essay demonstrates the difference that these nurses make in a patient's journey to healing, and how much cancer patients value their nurses' extraordinary skills and caring attitude:

"Chrissy embodies all that an oncology nurse should be .... The care that she provided exceeded the bounds of what is required by a health professional. My daughter, Delaney, talks of her to this day, and I believe Chrissy's footprint on both our hearts will never be forgotten. She reminded us about the positive, of what there is to live for amidst all we endured, and she instilled a spirit in my daughter that pushed her through treatment -- on to the next wonderful thing she could find that would remind her of life outside the hospital." -- Essayist Renée La Forest, mother of Delaney Diggs, describing Nurse Christine Wilson, Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, Ohio).

"We are pleased to continue our support of such a unique program to honor well-deserving oncology nurses," said Kim Taylor, president, Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. "Centocor Ortho Biotech is committed to helping patients throughout their cancer journey and is proud to sponsor an award that recognizes the meaningful impact that oncology nurses have on their patients."

The winning and finalist essays can be read and heard online at www.curetoday.com/healeraward beginning June 17, 2009.