Honoring a Healer: Personal Care With National Impact

This is a joint nomination by Camille Moses, a pancreatic cancer survivor, and Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, thoracic oncologist and investigator at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Miami in Florida. 

Moses: In March 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I was overwhelmed with fear. My mother died of pancreatic cancer when I was 53 years old; therefore, I thought my days were numbered. I saw an oncologist who told me, “It’s too late to get treatment; you need to prepare to die.” A second opinion brought me to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where I met an incredible nurse named Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., MBA, APRN, AOCNP. It was the scariest day of my life when I pulled up to that cancer center. My first thought was, “This is the building I may die in.” I needed a wheelchair because of the pain I was experiencing. Everything seemed to be happening around me like I was in a nightmare.

As Jessica began to examine me, I immediately felt her energy. She was extremely calm, and from all the questions she asked me, I knew I was in the right place. Jessica was caring and understood my fear and was able to adjust my medication to help relieve my pain. She asked why I was still wearing the bandage from having a port inserted. I told her that I thought it was an open wound and was scared to look at it. She took off the bandage, and I looked down to see just a tiny scar. She took the fear away. That was just the beginning!

Jessica was my oncology nurse for 17 months while I battled stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Jessica’s knowledge and dedication made me believe that, although it might be difficult at times, I could survive. Jessica made cancer seem normal to me when I was so uncertain of my future. Jessica was right! With each three-month clinic visit, my scans showed that the cancer was disappearing. Jessica would cheer me on and tell me I was a superstar patient. Jessica’s belief in me grew stronger; she took my fears away.

When I began experiencing neuropathy from chemotherapy treatments, she explained how long it may last and helped me find ways to deal with the discomfort. At each stage of my treatment, it was Jessica I turned to for advice and guidance.

I also shared with her all my adventures, like going to the Food and Wine Festival or traveling. Jessica always encouraged me to keep living life.

After 17 months of treatments, my cancer was gone. I truly believe that without the support, love, knowledge and guidance Jessica showed me, I would not be here today. Jessica took the fear out of cancer. She has this incredible ability to make every patient feel special and that they matter. Anyone who has been blessed with her care can attest that she is an angel on earth. My wish is for all patients to have a loving bond with their oncology nurse. It does impact your outcome.

Once I recovered from treatments, Jessica encouraged me to share my experiences. She invited me to speak at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to an audience of doctors and patients. Jessica was so proud of me and encouraged me to be part of the Patient and Family Advisory Council. After a devasting cancer diagnosis that I received, it was always and still is Jessica I go to for support and guidance. Cancer changes a person’s priorities, and knowing Jessica is there for me forever gives me peace of mind. Jessica has encouraged me to be a patient advocate. Jessica understands the needs of patients far after they have completed treatment. Jessica has implemented so many programs for cancer patients and survivors. She can do that because she understands the needs of patients. Jessica deserves to be acknowledged for her knowledge and dedication. I can tell you that I am alive and thriving due to Jessica’s constant support.

Rodriguez: In addition to the testimonial of patients like Camille who have been impacted by the healing care of Jessica MacIntyre, as an oncologist and colleague at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, I nominate her for this award for her leadership and contributions over the past 20 years to improve the lives of patients with cancer locally and nationally.

Jessica joined the cancer center after graduating from nursing school in 2000 and quickly became the first nurse navigator for Sylvester’s pancreatic/gastrointestinal group, guiding patients through their complex care. After several roles in nursing care, she wanted to do more and earned a master’s degree in nursing and a doctor of nursing practice degree.

For the past eight years, she has held several leadership roles at our institution, working in a dual role as a practicing clinical and administrator. As executive director of clinical operations, she oversees several clinical programs, including oncology social work, cancer support services, cancer survivorship, cancer prevention and the phase I research clinic. She has been instrumental in developing programs such as the Patient and Family Advisory Council, which strengthens collaboration between patients and the health care team, and the Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium, which brings experts in cancer survivorship and patients together to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities and shape the future of survivorship care and research.

Jessica is an effective role model and advocate for other nurses in the field and many Latinas in nursing. She is director of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship program, the only accredited fellowship program with distinction in Florida, which is equipping the next generation of advanced nurse practitioners and oncology nurses with the skills to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

In April 2024, she became the president of the Oncology Nursing Society, which represents 100,000 nurses. Its 35,000 members include nurses, nursing students, nurse practitioners, scientists and educators. In her national role, Jessica has continued to bring her passion and expertise to support oncology nurses and nurse practitioners, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, to help them deliver exceptional care in this challenging health care landscape.

We nominate Jessica MacIntyre for the 2025 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing for her personal, local and national impact on improving the lives of patients with cancer.

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