Joann Nugent, B.S.N., RN, is the epitome of an oncology nurse. Her patients are the lucky recipients of her knowledge, experience, compassion, warmth and humor.

For any woman, ovarian cancer is a frightening diagnosis. Initially, a woman rallies her resources, both internal (a woman's inner grit) and external (her family and friends). Then, she hops on what I like to refer to as the “treadmill of survivorship,” which includes debulking surgery, hospital stays, months of chemo, a myriad of diagnostics and scans, various surgical procedures, endless pharmacy runs and now because of the pandemic, frequent COVID-19 tests and screenings.

While a cancer survivor is fortunate to benefit from the institution of modern medicine, at times she may feel overwhelmed emotionally and physically by that institution. Times of feeling lost and isolated are not uncommon. While the diagnostics, consultations and treatments are all vitally important, a cancer survivor’s need to feel that her voice is being heard by the very same medical institution fighting to save her life is just as vital, if not more so. Having a medical lifeline or patient advocate who will listen and empathize with the cancer survivor is key to the survivor's well-being, her recovery and, ultimately, her long-term survival. Joann is my lifeline, my advocate.

The moment I first spoke to Joann, I knew I had met not only a very special nurse but a very special person. Her knowledge and experience are without question. Joann has the distinct ability to articulate questions or concerns I sometimes stumble to express. She is proactive on my behalf, oftentimes resolving issues big and small before I have had a chance to ask for her help. Joann is a patient sounding board, even when I just need to complain. She always validates my feelings and my concerns. No matter what kind of day Joann may be having — particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic — she always greets me with a big smile. Her positive energy is infectious. Most of all, Joann makes me feel like I am her only patient, her only concern and the most important person in her life at that moment.

Editor’s Note: This is an essay submitted by Janie McCutchen for the 2021 Extraordinary Healer Award. 

 to read more about CURE®’s Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing event on April 30, 2021.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to 

A patient with ovarian cancer details the compassion she experienced with her oncology nurse even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Treadmill of Survivorship’ With a Supportive Oncology Nurse

Janie McCutchen

July 1, 2020, marked 15 years since I received my breast cancer diagnosis. I was young, only 31. I was facing multiple surgeries, three chemotherapies, radiation and countless appointments. 

Luckily, my second round of chemotherapy with Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and the red devil, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), would not be the same as my first. I was not the ideal patient during my first round. I think back and can see that I was labeled as difficult by my first oncology nurse. She was not there for round two. A different, more seasoned oncology nurse was assigned to deal with me.

This is when Diane Nechi-Fragassi, B.S.N., RN, OCN, entered not only my chemotherapy room but my life. Diane’s demeanor and smile instantly brought me a feeling of calm. This woman standing before me exuded a genuinely kind and caring nature. She introduced herself, and I remember telling her that she must have drawn the short straw that day to be stuck with me. My comment did not rattle her at all.

Of course, Diane did everything she was required to do for my treatment; however, she also did so much more. She communicated with me and kept on top of everything and, in so doing, kept me on top of everything, as well. She sat with me, anticipated my needs, calmed my nerves, eased my fears, informed, listened, advocated and never let much time go by without checking on me if she had to leave my side.

Later that day, I left with a much different feeling and mindset than I had the first time. I was getting dose-dense chemotherapy at first, so I was not due back for a couple of weeks. Diane made me aware of what to expect in the coming days, and during those two weeks, she called every couple of days to check up on me. I went in for my next treatment, and when it was Diane who brought me back to have poison infused into my body, I found myself smiling at the sight of her. After that, I made it a point to request that Diane be my oncology nurse, always to find out that she had already been assigned to me.

I have known many people who have faced cancer and cancer treatments, and let me tell you, I was not that patient coming in dressed all in pink and wearing a tiara or in a superhero cape or cowboy boots, ready to show cancer who was boss. It was not long before I realized that it was “My Diane” who deserved the cape. She was an unexpected, uniquely magnificent, superhuman being whom I was lucky enough to encounter because of my diagnosis. Diane can be described as a cross between a superhero and an angel walking among us. I am not the only person who recognized this about Diane; on many occasions I heard others talking about how magnificent their nurse was, only to find out they too had 

Diane was with me throughout all my treatments and beyond. She sent cards, made countless phone calls, was there for me whenever I reached out, and stayed loyal and steadfast to me long after she was “obligated” to do so. I don’t know many people who still have their chemotherapy nurse calling them a few times each year, more than a decade later. That is what My Diane did, and I’m certain not only for me.

Over the years, I have stated that anyone facing this horrid nightmare of a disease should have a Diane with them as they fight. My birthday came and went in 2019 and, for the first time since 2005, My Diane didn’t call. I knew something was wrong. Soon I would find out that My Diane had received a diagnosis of a very aggressive late-stage lung cancer.

Diane remained dedicated to her patients. She had a couple of treatments and wanted to return to work and to her patients as she fought her own disease. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the effects of her treatment.

Never did I think the day would come when I would find out that My Diane had been taken from this world, far too young at age 62. I am still in shock and disbelief. Diane being gone has been more difficult and brought me more tears than my own cancer diagnosis. 

To say that I feel less safe with her gone is an understatement. Diane was like a tiny pebble dropped into the vast ocean: She created powerful ripples that are endless. I am so thankful for Diane Nechi-Fragassi. My life would not be the same without her.

Diane mattered to this world. Her life had significant meaning because she made a difference. Diane will be missed and never forgotten. She was not only an extraordinary healer but also an extraordinary human being. “My Diane,” my hero, is now our angel.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to

One patient talks about how their oncology nurse was a hero to not just her, but many other patients in the clinic.

'My Hero, Our Angel': How One Oncology Nurse Changed Patients Lives

Tracey Lang

While I have the pleasure of working with so many fantastic oncology nurses, I want to nominate Makayla Claussen, RN, BSN, MBTCN. I met Makayla at Vanderbilt’s inpatient myelosuppression/stem cell transplant unit about four years ago. It would be an understatement to say she lights up every room she’s in. Her energy and positivity are infectious.

As a 10-year cancer survivor herself, Makayla fiercely advocates for every patient in her care. While the clinic was in a difficult situation for staffing, Makayla worked overtime to act as a post-transplant coordinator for the clinic’s hundreds of acute and long-term allogeneic transplant recipients. On top of that, she also FaceTimes our CAR-T cell therapy patients nightly to perform their immune effector cell assessments — which are intended to identify neurotoxicity from the therapy — and is their first contact on speed dial if something goes awry.

In emergent situations, she acts as a comfort to the patients and family and a leader to the staff, helping to keep the calm. Her hands are never idle, and her favorite phrase is, “I’m here to serve.” As a clinic nurse, I recall countless times where she has jumped in to assist with management of decompensating patients.

Now, she has moved on to a leadership role in our clinic, but she takes every opportunity she can to jump in and help with direct patient care. She cares for our patients like family. She is what every oncology nurse hopes to become. She is the smiling face every patient with cancer hopes to see in the most difficult time of their life.

An oncology nurse who is a cancer survivor herself fiercely advocates for all her patients. 



A Cancer Nurse Who Is Here to Serve

Madison Newman

Growing up, I had a vision of adulthood. I assumed it would mirror my parents’ – marriage, kids, work, travel, retirement and enjoying time with grandkids. I came from a long lineage of healthy elders, all who lived well into their 90s. When my mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer, the first woman in our family, we all assumed it would be a bump in the road. It was not. After six years in remission, her cancer returned and took her life while I was pregnant with my second child.

She was supposed to be here. Nothing about her death made sense. When I was suddenly diagnosed with my own cancer two years later, my understanding of the world was eternally shifted. Like my mom, I was healthy, active and known among my friends as the one who was always “doing things right.” I exercised daily, ate organic foods, used non-toxic products and practiced yoga. Had it not been for a routine blood test revealing that something was slightly off, I wouldn’t have known until it was far too late that leukemia was taking root in my bones.

It took five months, six doctors and two bone marrow biopsies to confirm that I had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I was blessed to have caught it early and even more blessed to have an anonymous donor in Germany who was willing to share her stem cells a year after my diagnosis.

The process of getting to transplant was brutal. I left behind my two young children to be brought to the brink of death as my immune system was erased and rebuilt. I spent three months battling fevers and an infection that nearly led to my demise. Throughout it all, I believed I would beat it. I would not, under any circumstances, leave my children. I researched and sought out stories of young adult survivors everywhere. I learned even more about mindfulness and healthy practices and vision boarded the future I wanted to believe was still possible.

Most importantly, I moved my body every single day. I was known in the hospital as “Supergirl,” walking near miles with my IV pole through the halls. I rode an ancient recumbent bike tucked away on my unit and figured out how to adapt my yoga practice with the restrictions I had in place. Just months after chemo, I ran in my first triathlon.

I believe it was a combination of my exceptional medical care team, my donor, my mindfulness and movement that allowed me to recover quickly. I was proud to be not just a survivor but a ‘thriver.’ Yet, five years after transplant, a routine mammogram suggested that my cancer journey wasn’t as neatly finished as I hoped.

My breast cancer diagnosis felt like a cruel joke. If I hadn’t been doing things ‘right’ before, I felt I had surely gotten everything right this time. I questioned what I was doing wrong that as I celebrated my 40th birthday and this much-anticipated anniversary of remission, this would happen now. Worse, it was the cancer that took my mom.

Blessed a second time, I learned that my cancer was caught very early. With an early-stage diagnosis, my treatment was far less brutal than AML. This year, I’m lucky to celebrate another milestone: five years in remission from breast cancer and 10 years post-transplant from AML.

My yoga and movement practice has been pivotal in helping me maintain emotional balance and physical wellness throughout. I’ve done things I didn’t realize I was capable of as I learned to rebuild my body and mindset. When I began exploring the science behind why movement mattered so much in supporting our immunity, I set out on a mission to help bring this practice to those going through their own journeys now.

I didn’t intend to become a yoga teacher, but as I learned through cancer, the path we set out on is not the one we may end up following. The detours often lead to places, people and possibilities that we couldn’t have conceived of before. Today, I’m grateful to be able to lead yoga for cancer classes with Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System and virtual students around the world.

I know now that no amount of ‘right’ things can prevent cancer. We do our best and that 

 good enough. I’m more comfortable with uncertainty because I’ve learned to better navigate the unexpected shifts. Those ebbs and flows have allowed me to connect with people of all walks of life and learn from them as I try to help them through their own transitions. I didn’t know how to do that for my mom – my journey taught me the way. It’s a gift to be able to pay it forward now.

You can learn more about Jessica’s group and private yoga for cancer and survivorship classes in the y4c and LYT® Yoga methods at 

. Find Jessica on Instagram or Facebook @jessicahensleyyoga for movement, motivation, and Tenacious Tuesdays each week.

A woman shares the story of her journey with multiple cancer types, including the same one that her mother died from.

Paying it Forward in the Flow

Jessica Hensley

A pivotal moment in my cancer experience was realizing that my wife and children were standing by my side, no matter what I was going through — even when I was not the best version of myself.

I was diagnosed with a very aggressive prostate cancer, there was no time to explore different treatments and no time for surveillance. There was only time to prepare for the surgery I needed.

The cancer was so aggressive that just removing the prostate was not enough. I also had to go through eight weeks of radiation therapy. My mind and body would never be the same. I came out of the surgeries and treatments with stage 3 prostate cancer.

Learning to live with the permanent, debilitating side effects was the hardest part. I was 53 years old when I was diagnosed, and really did not expect my life to change so drastically. But as time went on, I will admit, I had a very difficult time dealing with this "new normal."

Then, not even a year later, the cancer returned.

I saw a medical oncologist to help me through this cancer battle. But eventually, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels — which could indicate prostate cancer — kept rising and a PET scan showed the cancer had spread to my left obturator muscle.

I was now classified as a stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer patient, and once again, treatment had to begin. I learned that hormone therapy is a devastating treatment for a man to go through, as the treatment lowers testosterone to almost nothing.

As I was trying to get my footing on my life, my business and my sanity, I realized that my wife, son and daughter had never left my side. They stood strongly by helping me, supporting me and letting me know that no matter what, they were not going anywhere.

So, as of today, I have a much better outlook on life. I started going to the gym to help keep my bone density and muscle mass as strong as possible. The gym has given me a huge confidence boost that helped me regain the love I had lost for myself. And once I was able to honestly love myself, I was able to sincerely love my family.

I have been in remission for almost two years now and feel better than ever. The power of love and family is one of the strongest weapons a person can have.

. The article reflects the views Evon and not of CURE®. This is also not supposed to be intended as medical advice.

My wife and children were by my side as I underwent grueling and life-changing prostate cancer treatment. 

Love and Family Were My Weapons Against Cancer

Edward J. Evon

Tami Tittlefitz has been a lung cancer nurse practitioner for more than 25 years. She began her career at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and has been at City of Hope in Duarte, California, the past 12 years. Tami has cared for thousands of patients with lung cancer over the years and works tirelessly with a sense of urgency to ensure her patients have the best care possible. She also has revolutionized care of malignant pleural effusion. Tami has an independent practice where she helps patients with cancer breathe easier and have the best- possible quality of life. Tami is one of a kind: a saint and a healer.

An oncologist explains why Tami Tittlefitz, a lung cancer nurse practitioner, is "one of a kind: a saint and a healer."

A Lung Cancer Healer Like No Other

Dr. Dan Raz

Here in New Zealand, we are falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to cancer care, treatment and options. It can be overwhelming and is a road filled with many obstacles. Standard care in New Zealand lacks the basics of many Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Terri has helped me, a patient with unknown stage 3C (possibly now stage 4), understand the mechanics of my mutation, introduced me to a range of professionals in the Asia-Pacific area and encouraged me to fight for basic care in a proactive and positive way. I would not have been able to navigate this journey without her. She emails me, and we had a Zoom call that was amazing and filled me with hope. When I was feeling lost and despondent, she reminded me that I was full of strength and that I had the control over my learning, my research and my ability to do everything I can to change my path and the path for others.

As a patient advocate, Terri is a global powerhouse and pillar of strength, and I hope she will be recognized for all that she does and continues to do. I feel she is a bridge between patients, oncologists and researchers and brings everyone together. She does this with empathy and kindness.

I was navigating my cancer journey without a map — and Terri gave me one to help me find direction. Terri Conneran is my lung cancer hero!

A patient with lung cancer explains how Terri Conneran, a patient advocate, helped her understand her disease and fight for proper care in a country with less options.

Hope Shared for Patients With Cancer Is Hope Multiplied

Lisa Bell

For the past 10 years, B.S.N., RN, has been associated with my program and practice, which focuses on treating patients with blood cancers, as well as bone marrow transplants and cellular therapies. Further care is provided under the guidance of clinical trials.

My practice has also included time as a private practice and, most recently, transitioned back to academic medicine. Gina has adapted and thrived in both of these environments, each of which has a unique personality.

Gina joined my practice as a medical assistant. Very early on, she demonstrated that she was capable of so much more. While raising three children, she advanced her education by becoming an LPN and RN and earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree. She has plans to enter a master of science in nursing program.

For the past five years, she has filled many roles temporarily due to staff turnover. Her experience offers her a unique perspective, which allows her to be a valuable and cherished member of the health care team. She is able to relate to and work extremely well with personnel at all levels in our program and the health care system. Throughout her daily responsibilities, she continues to “operate above her licensure.” She has extraordinary diversity in her knowledge and has a comprehensive understanding of the care required for patients with complex cases.

In addition to her success in her day-to-day duties, other reasons to consider Gina for the CURE Extraordinary Healer Award are her empathy and compassion with which she treats every patient, every day. Her special gift is her ability to relate to patients, regardless of their circumstances, and regardless if the issue is medical, professional, social or personal. Moreover, she has a distinct ability to bring these issues to the attention of other members of the health care team.

Blood cancer care and bone marrow transplants are challenging enough for our patients, but Gina’s ability to provide the intangibles with care to every patient is what makes her distinguishable and remarkable. Gina makes everything surrounding the care of our patients better, every day.


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Gina Young, B.S.N., RN, has extraordinary diversity in her knowledge and has a comprehensive understanding of the care required for patients with complex cases.

Persistence, Dedication and the Will to Make a Difference for Those With Cancer

DR. EDWARD A. FABER JR.

There is a lot of travel language surrounding cancer. We “navigate” our cancer “journeys.” We “see the light at the end of the tunnel” as treatment draws to a close.

But sometimes, travel is a barrier and distance is the blocade between diagnosis and healing. For patients whose life-saving treatments are available far from home, getting to and from the doctor’s office or cancer center can present a major roadblock. According to the American Hospital Association “[Every year,] 3.6 million people in the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers.”In fact, transportation is said to be the third leading cause of missing a medical appointment.

Fortunately, nonprofits across the country are dedicated to bringing patients and their care teams together, bridging the distance to hope with free transportation thanks to donated plane tickets and a vast network of volunteer pilots.

Lifeline Pilots, established the same year as Cancer Hope Network, “has provided no-cost air transportation for financially distressed passengers with medical and humanitarian needs.Over four decades, volunteer pilots have flown five million nautical miles and more than 8,000 missions with a 100% safety record.”

In this eHOPE post, CHN Marketing Manager Dominick Notare highlights several of the incredible groups ensuring there are no detours on the way to hope. Click 

 to read more about the free services available to patients who need to go the distance.

Planes, Trains & Medical Bills: Getting To & From Cancer Treatment

Dominick Notare

On behalf of our cellular therapy program at the University of Chicago Medicine, it is my absolute pleasure to nominate Keriann (Keri) Kordas, APN, for this prestigious award.

I've had the luck of knowing Keriann since her early days as a floor nurse on our leukemia/stem cell unit at University of Chicago, where she was an immediate "stand-out" for her outstanding care of our patients. Her intelligence, meticulous care, wonderful communication skills and compassion were present even in the early days of her career. We are so lucky that as she continued her education to become a certified advanced practice nurse, she chose to stay on with our program.

Keri is now the leader for our entire outpatient advance practice provider team at UChicago, where her administrative skills, thoughtful and fair management style, and warmth have helped to build a strong and invaluable workforce for our section of hematology-oncology.

Importantly, I also have the distinct pleasure (and luck) or working with Keri in the care of my patients with acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms who have received allogeneic transplants or cellular therapies (e.g., CAR-T cells) with the goal of eradicating these difficult diseases. As is obvious, incredible attention to detail must be given to facilitate return to health following stem cell transplant. Keri's extraordinary grasp of the discipline makes the challenging care seem almost effortless (although it takes HUGE effort and knowledge).

Importantly, however, Keri is also a true partner in the management and care of the whole patient. Her ability to troubleshoot, plan, explain, cajole and facilitate the care of our patients is extraordinary. Not only is the care expert, but it is also comprehensive and fosters the feeling of a real community for the patients, their families and our team. Given the intensity of the immediate post-transplant period where patients are seen three times weekly for the first months after transplant where "bumps in the road" are inevitable, it is crucial to have the continuity and clarity that Keri's care provides.

She knows the trajectory of each patient's course and is such a wonderful partner for the physicians like me who are lucky enough to work with her in collaboration. We know that she leaves no stone left unturned when it comes to each and every patient visit and that is most reassuring for patient, family and medical team alike.

In summary, Ms. Keriann Kordas is an extraordinary caregiver, and we are so very fortunate for her commitment and love of our patients and the nursing profession. I recommend her for this award with the very greatest enthusiasm!

Keri is also a true partner in the management and care of the whole patient. 

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