Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada Award

My passion to provide the best quality patient care possible began eight years ago when my father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. I observed the care that the nurses had provided my father and my family, and upon my father’s passing, I decided to do research with the Odette Cancer Centre focusing on palliative care. This allowed me to publish 3 books and do multiple presentations nationally and internationally. It was such an eye opening and life changing experience. Soon after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I took on the role as the primary caregiver. This experience helped me affirm my decision to pursue a nursing career in oncology.

I currently care for oncology patients throughout their cancer journey, which I believe is a true privilege. I plan to be in a leadership position to mentor and support nurses to provide quality patient care. I also plan to continue to do research, continue to publish and present at national and international conferences, and continue my leadership roles at regional and national levels with the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO).

I would like to thank the Canadian Nurses Foundation and the Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada for this prestigious award. This award will help further assist me in achieving my educational and career goals as an oncology nursing leader. Without a doubt, this award will prove to be extremely valuable in helping to reduce the financial burdens of pursuing a Masters degree in Nursing.