Merck Canada Nursing Scholarship

For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about a career dedicated to enhancing children’s health. This passion was profoundly shaped when one of my best friends became critically ill at a young age. Witnessing the compassionate care her nurses and healthcare team provided left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, while working a student in a pediatric primary care clinic, I gained deeper insights into the diverse opportunities within nursing and the significant impact nurses have in healthcare advocacy, health promotion, and improving health outcomes for children. These experiences ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in pediatric nursing, and in 2015, I graduated with a BSN from the University of Toronto.  

After graduation, I was serendipitously hired as a registered nurse on a pediatric oncology inpatient unit. Admittingly, I was nervous at first given my lack of oncology experience, but after my first day, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Over the last 8 years, I have continued to work as a pediatric oncology nurse in various roles. Currently, I am an advanced practice nurse intern, primarily supporting pediatric patients affected by solid tumors and those with relapsed or refractory cancer enrolled in clinical trials. Witnessing the resilience and bravery of the children and families I work with inspires me daily and motivates me to make a positive impact on their treatment and recovery journeys. In 2021, I enrolled in the Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner in Primary Healthcare program at the University of Toronto so that I can continue to enhance health outcomes for children affected by cancer, improve access to novel cancer therapies, and contribute to the advancement of pediatric oncology research.  

I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the Merck Canada Nursing Scholarship, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the donors for their generous support in my pursuit to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children affected by cancer.