A True Partner in Cancer Healing

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!

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