Celebrating Nurses Week: The Heart and Soul of Our Cancer Community

As Nurses Week dawns, I’m sitting here, 22 years into my breast cancer survivorship, feeling a wave of gratitude for the nurse practitioner and nurses who carried me through my treatment and beyond. Karen L., Jill, Karen C. and Laurie — these incredible women didn’t just provide medical care in the treatment room; they wrapped me and many others in compassion, laughter and a sense of family that made all the difference. Their jovial spirits and heartfelt support sparked a community of survivors, friendships and hope that still warms my heart today. So, let’s settle in with a cozy vibe and celebrate these amazing souls who turned a tough journey into one filled with connection and joy.

From my first day in the treatment room, Karen L., our nurse practitioner, was a beacon of calm. She had this gift for explaining the scariest parts of chemo, like why I was suddenly drenched in sweat from hot flashes, with such clarity and warmth that it felt like chatting with a trusted friend. Those hot flashes, a brutal side effect of chemo and post-cancer drugs, hit me hard, but Karen was right there with practical tips, a reassuring smile and a chuckle to ease the tension. She’d check in, ensuring I was comfortable, and her encouragement kept me going.

Jill, Karen C. and Laurie, our treatment room nurses, brought an infectious energy that could light up even the toughest days. Jill’s quick wit and Laurie’s playful banter had us laughing over silly things. With my mom beside me, she would crack one of her silly jokes and keep the room in laughter.

Their compassion created a space where we felt like one big family. They’d fluff pillows, offer blankets, and ensure we were cozy, always encouraging our loved ones to sit with us. They kept the treatment room stocked with snacks and drinks, and patients like me got in on the fun, bringing in homemade cookies or ordering pizza for the staff.

It was a give-and-take that made us feel like partners in the journey, not just patients. Those moments of shared laughter and kindness were a lifeline, easing the weight of treatment and reminding us we were never alone.

But their impact stretched far beyond the hospital walls. Karen L. and I became fast friends, and together we co-chaired a cancer support group that grew out of our treatment room chats. We’d gather monthly, sharing stories, tips for managing side effects like those relentless hot flashes, and plenty of laughs. Karen L. brought her expertise, and we would bring in speakers on medical and holistic topics. That group became a haven for survivors, patients and caregivers — a community within a community.

Inspired by the nurses’ enthusiasm, Karen and I co-chaired a local Relay for Life event. We raised $268,000 in our first relay. The event was pure magic: survivors, families, and hospital staff walking laps under starry skies, raising funds for cancer research, and celebrating life. It’s become a beloved tradition, and I credit Karen, Jill and Laurie for fueling its spirit.

The friendships born in that treatment room are some of my greatest treasures. I met many survivors there who made a lasting mark on my life. These connections, nurtured by the nurses’ warmth, have carried me through my post-cancer years. Even now, I am friends with them on social media.

Reflecting on my 22-year journey, I’m grateful for Karen L., Jill, Karen C. and Laurie. Their care wasn’t just about medicine but building a community of hope, laughter and survivorship. They helped me and my family navigate the hardest days, and their friendship continues to light up my life.

I’m sending them all my love this Nurses Week and a big thank-you for being the heart of our cancer care family.

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