A Beacon of Light in Cancer Care

Carrie Williams, M.S.N./Ed, RN, was the nurse who gave me my introduction into the world of chemotherapy treatment. I was completely overwhelmed. It’s difficult to digest and process a cancer diagnosis; adding cancer treatment on top of that is intense. Carrie became my safe harbor in a stormy sea. She was kind and supportive. Not only was her bedside manner incredible, but her ability to steer her patients through a rough season was lifesaving.

She has an incredible sense of humor that lightens the heaviness of the situation without disregarding the ferocity of the treatment. I knew from the get-go she would always be honest with me. Her knowledge of cancer and the various treatments is extensive, and she is always willing to share her knowledge with her patients.

It saved me in so many ways because having that direct knowledge gave me peace of mind. It also helped me to know what to expect during the most chaotic and disruptive time of my life. I knew I could ask her anything about the toxic medication she was administering to me and she would be forthright.

She had a wealth of knowledge on side effects and helpful ways to soothe and combat them. She would routinely send me home with printouts that detailed and supported all of that valuable information. I then could consult those printouts when I was home. These printouts helped me get through some difficult times.

Carrie was there to celebrate the small and large milestones of my cancer treatment. She was there to lend support during some of the most difficult setbacks of my cancer treatment — and there were many. She has been a skilled medical professional, my confidante, an incredible supporter and a beacon of light during some of the darkest times of my life. She has been a stable force during such turbulent times. Carrie possesses the unique duality of excellent bedside manner and immense medical knowledge.

I have no doubt about her passion for oncology and her commitment to her patients. I have never felt that she wanted to be anywhere but there with her patients, guiding them through the most difficult season of their lives. She is skilled, dynamic, reliable and compassionate. And that is why I wish to nominate her for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. She deserves to be recognized for her amazing contributions and service to her patients.

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