Cambridge Health Alliance

Margaret Buckley, Cambridge Health Alliance

Marg Buckley came to the Emergency Department to be the educator after working many years in critical care. She took this position with some trepidation, but did all she could do to learn the ins and outs of emergency medicine. She is now an expert in all things emergency nursing. She has been instrumental in growing an ED nurse residency program, a paramedic student preceptorship, and enhancing the day-to-day knowledge of our ED nurses. She cares for patients alongside the ED staff with compassion and professionalism. She works tirelessly to ensure staff are educated in a timely manner during these times of ever-changing medical protocols. We are so very lucky to have Marg on our team.—Nominated by Janine Hogan

 

Lynne Crawford, CHA Broadway Care Center

I work on the second floor with Lynne. Yesterday, while I was at the reception area, I saw her taking a patient in the elevator to the first-floor lab. She could easily have asked anyone else to do this, but she didn’t. She always goes the extra mile for her patients.—Nominated by Mary Gioiosa

 

Corinne Imperatore, Cambridge Health Alliance

Corinne is one of those nurses who can do it all. She is eager to learn something new and only has to be taught once. She is always friendly and knows just how to approach a difficult situation to get the best result possible. She is unfazed when challenges arise, never wavers in her calm demeanor, and is eager to help in any way she can. Obstetrics can be very stressful, and her excellence shines through in her patient care. She’s kind, calm, and supportive of all of our patients’ needs. She embodies the essence of nursing care.—Nominated by Lisa Mashburn

 

Caitlin Martin, Cambridge Health Alliance

In the past four years I’ve worked with Caitlin pre-pandemic, pandemic, and “post-pandemic.” Caitlin is one of the most clinically competent nurses I know. Despite many hardships, Caitlin comes to work every day and gives it her all. She has supported our Respiratory Clinic throughout the pandemic and continues to support our ambulatory clinics. She’s nearly finished with her nurse practitioner program, where she will continue to support, treat, and help those in need. Caitlin’s passion for helping others is truly inspiring and something that will make the world a better place. Thank you, Caitlin, for all you have done and all you will continue to do.—Nominated by Erik Westhaver-Ford

 

Graciela Martinez, Cambridge Health Alliance

Compassion.—Nominated by Rachel Walinjom

 

Corey Marvin, Cambridge Health Alliance

Corey kept his eye on the prize of caring for all, and especially for our most vulnerable patients, all while handling a triple load of administrative and nursing leadership responsibilities during the entire pandemic.—Nominated by Deidre Alessio

 

Maria Melchionno, Cambridge Health Alliance

Maria is the ultimate model of profound expertise with deep compassion. She has been an oncology nurse in the outpatient setting at CHA for more than two decades, and in all the time I have worked with her, I have never ceased to be amazed by how deeply she cares for each and every patient under her care.—Nominated by Lisa Weissmann

 

Moishe Ragieme, Cambridge Health Alliance Everett

CHA has had the honor of having Moishe work for them as off-shift manager when COVID-19 surges started. He came to manage West One in April 2021. He works diligently to have the best care for the patients in our unit and hospital. He has given bed pans, helped patients communicate in their own languages (he speaks five), and transferred patients to testing. He teaches his staff about policies and procedures and treatments, helps de-escalate patients, and starts IVs so that patients can have the best care with minimal disruption. 

 

Moiseh has a 27-year critical-care knowledge base, 32 years as a nurse, and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with staff. Moishe has come in as a staff nurse on multiple shifts while taking assignments on our med-surg unit and in the ICU when they needed to flex up but didn’t have staff. At one time last summer he was the manager for the entire hospital—two med-surg/telemetry units, two psych units, IV team, hemodialysis, and the ICU—due to vacations and other reasons. He did this with grace, knowledge, ease, and humor while always having the safety of each person—patient or staff—in mind. He demonstrates critical thinking and management skills with ease—it’s second nature to him. 

 

Every day, we on West One learn not only from his nursing skills, but his amazing baking skills (he has an associate’s degree in pastry). He encourages every one of us to advocate for the patient and expand our own knowledge and skills. He does this all with a smile, making each person feel they are the priority. CHA is truly blessed to have him as a leader.—Nominated by Kellie Morse

 

Valerie Roberson, CHA Cambridge Family Health and Cambridge Family North

Valerie Roberson has worked with me at CHA for almost two years and has demonstrated all of the following attributes, both as a nurse and as a nurse leader. She is competent and compassionate, clear and trustworthy, energetic and empathic. She attends to her work as a nurse leader with thoughtfulness, clarity, and an unrivaled commitment to the patient. Above all, she does this joyfully and with an enthusiasm for great care and reliable leadership that I truly admire, and have only come across a handful of times in my life. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with her.—Nominated by Chris MacFadyen

 

Valerie Roberson, Cambridge Health Alliance

Valerie came to our organization as an agency nurse manager for one practice. Her skills quickly led her to cover three, sometimes four practices, as well as being key to many asynchronous projects. Her abilities within our HIM system are second to none. Some would describe it as being able to make the computer wash windows! 

 

Valerie quickly found herself indispensable to not only her direct reports, but also to her peers and at the executive level. Her experience and creative solutions are among the best resources we have. With Valerie’s help, we have changed many workflows and made great strides in achieving and exceeding many goals. Although Valerie’s day-to-day has become mostly upper-level tasks, she is the first one to be hands-on with a patient as well. She’s not above rooming patients, working a front desk, or jumping in and performing lifesaving measures. This actually happened this year on a much-deserved day off. 

 

Valerie and her family were on a trolley when another passenger went into seizures. Without hesitation, this wiry nurse jumped over to keep the woman safe from further harm and managed the scene like a true code, giving multiple people tasks while keeping the patient safe. This type of event is not uncommon for Valerie.  

 

I know Valerie is an agency nurse, which means someday she will move on and be a blessing elsewhere, but the ripples of her efforts will carry on with such a great effect.—Nominated by Beth McCurdy

 

Kristen Robertson, Cambridge Health Alliance

Kristen has such compassion for patients. During the last surge, Kristen went the extra mile to find a lost earring for one of our COVID patients. The patient wasn’t doing well, and was despondent over losing one of her earrings. “It’s not expensive,” she said, “but my late husband gave them to me.” Kristen searched the room and the unit and made calls to the kitchen and housekeeping. She kept up the search, and found the small earring a few days later. The patient was so grateful. This is just one of the small detail-oriented things Kristen does to show her caring and compassion.—Nominated by Stephanie Racca

 

Joana Shiri, Cambridge Health Alliance

Joana Shiri is a registered nurse with the Cambridge Health Alliance’s Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which cares for frail nursing home-eligible older adults who need assistance to live safely in their homes. She provides the bulk of the home nursing care for our patients residing in Everett, Revere, Medford, and Charlestown. She makes a deep, lasting connection with her patients and never hesitates to do whatever is needed to care for them. Regardless of the challenges, from the many unknowns at the start of the pandemic to snowstorms to off-hour phone calls, she makes sure that her patients’ wounds are addressed, medications are taken, and acute changes in condition are evaluated. 

 

Recently, she was informed that a patient had a wound on his leg and, within an hour, was at his home, dressing the wound. A beloved patient recently passed away from cancer, and in his last days he was comforted by her home visits. At the start of the pandemic, one of her patients was grappling with the reality that her leukemia treatments were no longer working. Joana provided such compassionate and dedicated care in her home that the patient was able to peacefully pass away there. The day before her death, she asked to see Joana, as if she wanted to see Joana one last time before she passed. Joana was also instrumental in ensuring her homebound patients received their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. 

 

Joana often is the first person her patients call when in need, and we constantly hear how much her patients look forward to her visits. They appreciate her calm and comforting demeanor, and we also appreciate her excellent clinical acumen.—Nominated by Judy Kwok

 

Stephanie Sylvain, CHA Cambridge Family Health

Stephanie is warm, compassionate, and skilled and is always a voice for her patients—a true advocate for patients in the midst of our very complicated medical system. She is especially good at working with parents, helping to support them in the care of their children when they are ill.—Nominated by Lisa Dobberteen

 

Michael Wilson, CHA Everett Hospital

I want to thank Michael Wilson for his hard work, sincerity, and a kind approach that I know our mutual patients appreciate. I turn to Michael when I need help or support. I have been a CHA employee for under a year, and everyone has been lovely and helpful while I acclimated. Michael, however, stands out because he goes the extra mile for every patient. I have seen the way he provides gentle care with our elderly population and how much they appreciate him, I hear feedback about him all the time. He deserves recognition because of the genuine person that he is.—Nominated by Allison Doucette

 

Jane Buley, Cambridge Health Alliance

Senior Director of Occupational Health Jane E. Buley worked tirelessly over the course of the past two years to ensure the safety and well-being of employees at Cambridge Health Alliance. She generously and unselfishly worked late and on weekends to manage employee COVID test results. Her outstanding work ethic became even more evident during the Omicron surge, when there were unprecedented COVID cases in our communities and illness impacting our staff. 

 

Jane skillfully led efforts to rapidly adjust algorithms and processes based on evolving science, CDC guidance, and Department of Public Health regulations while never losing sight of the well-being of our employees. She collaborated closely and professionally with infection prevention and control personnel to ensure algorithms were in the best interest of patient safety. When the demand for testing exceeded access for employees, Jane and her staff brainstormed with the laboratory to develop and implement an alternate testing site in order to expedite a safe return to work. Jane has also been instrumental in implementing and executing vaccinations for employees. She orchestrated and promoted hospital clinics for both COVID and influenza vaccines for staff convenience. 

 

Under her leadership, the department provided responsive triage and counseling for COVID infection and exposures and even arranged treatment for eligible staff. In addition, Jane has been a contributor to several academic publications to disseminate knowledge gained in occupational health and medicine related to the COVID pandemic. Despite the long duration of this pandemic, Jane remains the ultimate professional with remarkable endurance. Her sense of humor provides staying power to others who have the pleasure and honor of working with her.—Nominated by Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha

 

Jane Buley, Cambridge Health Alliance

Jane Buley is the head nurse and director at CHA Occupational Health. She has demonstrated tireless compassion and clinical competency throughout the pandemic in order to care for our 4,500 employees. During crisis situations such as the first wave and Omicron wave, Jane worked late daily and on weekends making sure that our employees were tested, got results, and safe return-to-work decisions were made. Jane always demonstrates excellent communication with patients and co-workers. She is highly trusted by patients and co-workers. She has been an indefatigable advocate for CHA’s employees.—Nominated by Stephen Kales

 

Jane Buley, Cambridge Health Alliance

Jane’s leadership directly helped isolate staff from exposure to COVID-19. She led efforts to keep staff safe and isolated people so others would not get sick. We saw huge impacts to our staffing, and it was minimized because of Jane’s clinical competence.—Nominated by Christian Lanphere

 

Jane Buley, Cambridge Health Alliance

As a travel nurse I worked with Jane Buley in the triage COVID line on assignments in fall 2020 and again in 2021. Throughout these assignments I saw great leadership in all areas of running the Occupational Health department. She has ensured patient and staff safety with all the changing hospital protocols regarding COVID. When extra staffing is needed, she comes in on weekends to help ensure employees are followed through regarding their COVID testing results. Knowing Jane’s work ethic after working with her last year, I chose to return again this year to help out the department. If there is a nurse to salute it definitely would be Jane Buley.—Nominated by Diane Maia

 

Campion Health & Wellness, Campion Health Center

Enid Landreth, Campion Health Center

Since Enid Landreth joined Campion Health & Wellness as a staff nurse in 2009, she’s always made nursing look easy, even when it was a struggle. In 2020, when the director of nursing left abruptly, Enid stepped in as the interim director, and later was appointed to the position permanently. She makes each resident feel like they are her only patient. She is kind. She always looks at problems in a positive way, choosing to call them “opportunities” to do better.

 

Enid thinks outside of the proverbial box, always trying new methods to help Campion’s residents to be as healthy and happy as possible. When a resident is struggling, she sits with him and has a conversation. She has a wonderful sense of humor. Her positive outlook and friendly personality help residents overcome their worries. She puts her own needs behind those of her patients. When someone calls her in the middle of the night, she talks through the problem, and sometimes she makes a 2 a.m. drive into the facility. Enid has a can-do attitude toward work, toward her patients, and toward her co-workers. I salute Enid Landreth every day.—Nominated by Sandra Graham

 

Captain Samuel Douglass Academy

Maureen Lorden, Captain Samuel Douglass Academy

Maureen is in her 15th year as a school nurse and it has been very challenging. In addition to providing for the daily health needs of approximately 200 students, dispensing ADHD medications, and dealing with the rigors of contract tracing as a result of the pandemic, Maureen has maintained a positive attitude and led five other nurses throughout her school district in Brookline and Hollis, New Hampshire. She communicates effectively with students, staff, parents, and district leadership under challenging circumstances and sets a high standard for herself.—Nominated by Mark Lorden

 

Carleton-Willard Village

Nancy MacDonald, Carleton-Willard Village

My daughter is much beloved in her capacity as head nurse/nurse at Carleton Willard Village in Bedford. She has worked many hours of overtime to mitigate the loss of personnel during the COVID crisis. Her patients are mainly elderly, recovering from illnesses and trauma, and very often she has to witness their passing. She’s a compassionate, loving, and giving individual who is very loved among her patients and personnel.—Nominated by Elena MacDonald

 

Charlton Memorial Hospital

Danielle Henshaw, Charlton Memorial Hospital

She’s very good with everyone—and especially with patients—always willing to do more than her job description. She’s caring, compassion, and very good at what she does.—Nominated by Ana Pimentel

 

Commonwealth Care Alliance

Benedicta Agyemang, Commonwealth Care Alliance

Benedicta has been very successful with individuals who are resistant to care. She works tirelessly at building trusting relationships with them. Benedicta was assigned to a member with a terminal condition who declined many services. Benedicta’s hard work paid off. She was able to get the member to agree to follow-up visits from her, and, eventually, home care. Benedicta was able to help this member navigate the health-care system, allowing them to identify their goals of care and preserve their peace and dignity.

—Nominated by: Megan Mason-Pleau

 

Christina Bailey, Commonwealth Care Alliance

Christina Bailey is a stellar community-based nurse at CCA Primary Care. She caters to our most vulnerable population by providing them access to primary care in their homes. Christina has a loving and calming presence that allows our patients to feel safe and secure. She formed a bond with one patient struggling with severe depression and several additional serious conditions. He was missing a lot of appointments, so Christina went to this patient’s home to explain why his health conditions required follow-up. Over time, with Christina’s teaching, patience, and compassion, he agreed to let her help schedule his appointments and arrange transportation. Christina also contacted his family to explain his health-care needs. She set reminders for herself to call him and check in ahead of appointments. These were not part of Christina’s official duties, but she did it anyway.

 

During the Omicron surge of the COVID pandemic, Christina was also one of the staff members who took initiative to start a home-based vaccine clinic to help protect our homebound population. Christina is a hard-working team player who always puts our patients’ health and well-being first. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without her.—Nominated by Kim Newton

 

Hilda Rosario, Commonwealth Care Alliance

Hilda Rosario is reliable, responsible, efficient, and dedicated. I have worked with Hilda on several palliative cases. These members often require a lot of support around acute symptom management, progressive disease, coordination of care, and caregiver stress. Needless to say, the only way palliative goals of care can be met is through effective collaboration with the whole Commonwealth Care Alliance team. As a care partner, Hilda has always taken a leadership role in making sure recommendations are carried out. Her dedication in meeting members’ needs ultimately enhances their quality of life.—Nominated by Becky Rouhi

 

Cooley Dickinson Health Care

Terry Derderian, Cooley Dickinson Physician Hospital Organization

Terry is committed to and diligent about protecting patient medical records. Terry goes the extra mile every year to send the correct medical records to us for HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) audit. She hunts down difficult information for us, which adds a lot of extra time to her day. She does it without complaint and never fails us. The HEDIS process is tedious. Terry is committed to protecting her patients. She has been a true advocate and an absolute pleasure to work with. She embodies the highest MGB values and standards.—Nominated by Kathleen Murphy

 

Parash Pijar, Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Parash is a caring, compassionate nurse and extremely supportive co-worker. I feel honored to call him my friend.—Nominated by Natasha Anderson

 

Priscilla Ross, Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Priscilla is a compassionate leader and supportive mentor. Her dedication to her multiple roles is unmatched.—Nominated by Natasha Anderson

 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Laura Amweg, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston

I accompanied my daughter to every chemotherapy appointment at Dana-Farber. Laura was the nurse we usually saw. Laura is patient, kind, and compassionate. She always took her time and listened to my daughter, as well as giving me support.—Nominated by Melisa Hanrahan

 

Lynne Bell, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lynne Bell cares for me with excellence. Lynne is smart, perceptive, and kind. What I most value is her thoughtfulness. I feel as if she sees me as a person who happens to be a patient. Knowing that I’ll be in Lynne’s care reduces the stress inherent in long infusion days. She answers my questions, provides information to help me make choices, and administers the treatment efficiently. And she does so with understanding and concern. Lynne creates a small world in which I feel safe, and that is no small feat in 2022. I am truly grateful for the oasis of healing that she provides.—Nominated by Joyce Ananian

 

Brittany Bowes, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Brittany is a research nurse in gynecologic oncology, and was my student for a clinical rotation of her nurse practitioner program. Brittany comes to work every day with a smile and dedication to her patients. She stays late, calls patients to give them reassurance when their oncology treatment isn’t going as expected, and has such a desire to learn. She has been a rock for fragile patients during the pandemic. I am so thankful she chose nursing as her profession, and know that she will make a fabulous nurse practitioner. She inspires so much hope in patients and staff alike.—Nominated by Naomi Yager

 

Margaret “Peggy” Campbell, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Peg Campbell was assigned as my clinical trial nurse from January 2017 to April 2021. I was traveling from upstate New York every three weeks to receive treatments. On more occasions than I can recall, Peggy went beyond the call of duty when it came to my care, whether it was a scheduling issue, an issue with the pharmacy, or whatever. She spent countless hours making phone calls to help schedule my appointments with little-to-no disruption to my family’s lives. She checked in with me in between appointments and always made me feel comfortable and at ease when I had questions or concerns. And if she didn’t have an answer, she made sure to get one before the end of the day. 

 

When the study ended and I had my final appointment to transition out, Peggy got emotional—just more proof of how much she truly cares about her patients. She vowed to stop in to see how I’m doing when I’m scheduled for my scans (every four months), even though she isn’t required to, and I believe that she will—because she genuinely cares. Peg definitely made my many trips to DFCI not-so-scary. I am beyond thankful and forever grateful for her.—Nominated by Sandy Weaver

 

Amanda Carnes, Longwood Y2 Lab Services, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

I’ve been undergoing treatments since 2015, and every two weeks I’m lucky to start my visits with the incredible team on Y2. Amanda Carnes, Roxanne, Joanne, Jeff, Jennifer, Marilyn, Michelle, and Kelly are the best. Amanda has become my go-to. In addition to providing incredible care, she brings a sense of humor and a family-feel to every visit. Amanda knows how to keep it light and her calm personality helps take some of the anxiety away. She always has a warm greeting for my wife and me. The Y2 Lab Services team has become my very own set of “Charlie’s Angels.” Each of these nurses is a real blessing and one of the reasons Dana-Farber is such a special place. The Y2 team cares about its patients and has become an extension of our family. You won’t find a better group of people. The work they have done to keep us safe during COVID has been incredible. The Y2 Lab Services team are our real superheroes; they’re simply the best.—Nominated by Chuck Stravin

 

Stephanie Chiocchio, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Stephanie was my infusion nurse during my treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. As a 42-year-old mom with two young kids, I was terrified. She walked me through every step, and was patient and kind. She took the time to laugh at our silly jokes, always checked on me, and gave us something to look forward to. Each time we returned, she asked after our family, remembering their names and checking in on updates in our life. At the end of my treatment, she surprised me by sending a cancer survivor candle and inspirational card to my home. Not only did she save lives, she kept me strong.—Nominated by Nicole Gallant

 

Rebecca DiGiantommaso, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Beka is an extremely good listener and a most pleasant person. I’ve always felt comfortable asking her very minor questions, and she answers them gracefully. She generates a lot of positive energy and makes the time go by quickly when I am receiving chemotherapy. Beka is a sweet, caring person who’s capable in every way. She also makes my wife, who accompanies me to chemo, very comfortable, and is very considerate of her needs, questions, and concerns. She’s terrific in every way.—Nominated by Steven Freed

 

Tina Flaherty, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

She is keeping me alive with cancer. I have been staying the course for seven years. I attribute a lot to her attention to detail and focused care. She meets all the criteria for being a great provider: gentle, focused, detailed, funny, and serious about her difficult oncology practice.—Nominated by Mark Schulthess

 

Carolyn Goldhammer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

With her way of making my wife feel comfortable with her infusion, Carolyn makes sure she has the correct medicine to keep her feeling her best after each treatment. Carolyn makes a day of treatment much easier to deal with. She is truly the ideal nurse.—Nominated by Joseph Manfredi

 

Stephanie Hogan, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

I have been in treatment for leukemia for the past year, and for most of that time Steph Hogan has been my infusion nurse. Steph is knowledgeable, compassionate, patient, and has a great sense of humor. She has made the many days spent at Dana-Farber so much better. As I’ve said to her before, all the nurses on Yawkey 8 make the tough days better and the good days fun. I know it sounds crazy to talk about treatment as fun but Steph and the rest of the Y8 crew do just that. 

 

It’s tough being in treatment during COVID, and at the beginning I wasn’t allowed any company. Steph was always there to offer an ear and chat or to bring anything I needed. Most of all, she was there with a smile and a way of making my days so much better—always encouraging and positive. I think of Steph more as family than just a nurse, and I‘m very fortunate to have her friendship and great nursing care.—Nominated by Catherine Ferguson

 

Cheri Manzi, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Chestnut Hill

Chéri is an angel of tenderness to me and countless others. When a patient arrives at Dana Farber, their first stop is the blood lab. As a stage 4 ovarian cancer patient, I’ve chosen not to have a port, so an IV needs to be inserted for multiple blood draws. My veins are very small, so the challenge is multiplied many times a month. Cheri greets me warmly and takes what seems like all the time in the world to wrap my arms in hot towels until we discover the vein of the day. Her blood draws are gentle and steady, reassuring me that my fears, though real, are swept up in gestures of tenderness. Bravo for the blood lab nurses who are the first face of Dana Faber to so many. Thank you, angel of tenderness.—Nominated by Nancy Sheridan

 

Amada Metivier, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

From my first encounter with my research nurse, Amada, I immediately trusted her 100 percent. She is always genuinely happy to see you, as well as caring and professional. She anticipates your needs almost like a mind reader and returns all calls and emails the same day, often seemingly within moments. Although I have medical experience, cancer was not my forte.

 

Initially, deep down I was terrified not only of what this cancer would do, but what the medications, each with a multitude of potentially serious side effects, would do. Despite leading the healthiest life possible and feeling great, my myeloma numbers were worsening up to the time I started treatment. Amada listened intently as I shared my concerns and confidently said, “We will beat down this cancer.” I will never forget those words because it was exactly what I needed at that moment. She was right, because my numbers improved significantly after one month on treatment. Now I’ve completed six months of treatment and asked at least a million questions, and Amada has always been very patient, compassionate, encouraging, and clinically competent as she prepared me for the next steps. She is an excellent communicator and her well-timed sense of humor uplifts your spirits. If there is ever an issue with your schedule, pharmacy, or insurance, she also makes the time to connect with the appropriate person to solve the issue. 

 

To provide full disclosure, I am a nurse practitioner and fully understand the rigors and responsibilities of nursing. I have worked alongside many great nurses, and without any reservation, I can say that Amada ranks highest among them.—Nominated by Linda Sapio-Longo

 

Molly Nestor, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, GI Department

I simply cannot say enough about Molly Nestor, RN, NP, who works in the GI Department of Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Not only is she so smart and knowledgeable about treating cancer, but she’s also so compassionate toward her patients, their caregivers, and their families. Molly has been a nurse on my care team for four years, and even when the odds were very much against me, she never let me give up hope. She’s seen me through some terrible times, and has even had to stop treatment and send me to the ER. 

 

No question is ever off-limits. During COVID, she demonstrated her clinical expertise by juggling the new safety protocols and trying to keep all of her vulnerable patients safe and informed. When I had to come to appointments alone while my husband waited in the car, she even pushed me in a wheelchair to my next appointment when I had a foot fracture. Just recently, I “graduated” from immunotherapy treatments and her happiness for me was palpable. Nurses like Molly make living with cancer much more bearable.—Nominated by Sally Martin

 

Erin Pelletier, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

I arrived for my first chemotherapy treatment full of apprehension. My diagnosis was incurable pancreatic cancer. Erin, with her great personality and upbeat attitude, took the edge off my anxiety. She thoroughly explained everything she was doing, and you could tell that she had vast knowledge and experience. She’s also a very empathetic and caring nurse. As I continued my treatments, she was very supportive in helping me achieve my goals. I am blessed and grateful to have her for my primary oncology nurse.—Nominated by Gloria Sabalauskas

 

Melanie Poundall, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Longwood

Oncology nurse Melanie Roundall has managed my infusions with gentleness and care. She attends to the prescribed meds, both oral and IV, with precision and timing. Melanie has been alert to my needs for the past year and several previous years. Melanie’s meticulous nursing has been instrumental in my doing well with my multiple myeloma challenge.—Nominated by Joyce Schreier

 

Cristina Salabao, CNP Lank Center, Yawkey 11, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston

Over the last six-plus years, I’ve truly learned what it means to “live with cancer.” Despite being dealt a tough card when I was diagnosed with advanced renal cell cancer in 2015, I’ve been “blessed” to have an incredible care team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. At the center of that care team is Cristina Salabao. Cristina is not just an incredible certified nurse practitioner—she’s an incredible human being. Cristina exhibits not only best-in-class clinical competency, but also enormous compassion and understanding for not just the patient, but also the patient’s family and caregivers. Christina knows when to have that serious discussion, but also knows it is OK to keep things “light.” Her attention to detail is incredible and she certainly knows how to read her patient’s state of mind. I am so blessed to be working with Cristina and know that I probably wouldn’t be here six-plus years into this fight without her dedication and support.—Nominated by Chuck Stravin

 

South Shore Nursing Staff, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute South Shore

The nursing staff at DFCI South Shore have never wavered in their commitment to patient-centered excellence despite all the challenges the last couple of years have brought. The entire team has shown an incredible amount of flexibility, resilience, and teamwork. Our blood draw team assesses, educates, and comforts patients as they arrive for treatment and intervenes on the patient’s behalf when necessary. Our nurse navigators ensure that every aspect of the patient’s care has been met with incredible dedication. Our infusion nurses assess, educate, treat, comfort, and advocate so well for all the patients. DFCI South Shore has the most incredible staff of nurses, and I am so proud of all of them and grateful to be on the team with them.—Nominated by Carole DeAngelis

 

Lisa Stewart, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

I would like to nominate Lisa Stewart, NP to Salute to Nurses 2022. My son sees Lisa for follow-up care from a stem cell transplant he received at Dana Farber in 2014. This was an extremely tough time for all of us. My son is very anxious, and she totally gets that. She works with him so well and demonstrates compassion for his whole being. When he began with her, he didn’t advocate for himself very well, but she gave him such a level of trust that he’s much better at it now.

 

Lisa gave us her email address eight years ago and said we could use it anytime we need her. When I do email her, she responds immediately and is always knowledgeable and helpful. I don’t think anyone can quite understand what that means to a family that’s going through what they feel is a real urgent problem. My latest email to Lisa was at 6:02 p.m. on March 17, informing her that my son tested positive for the coronavirus. She responded at 6:07 p.m. while she began putting in a request for him to receive monoclonal antibodies. It was unbelievable how quickly she put an anxious young man’s mind in a better place, knowing that someone could help him with another difficult illness. The threat of COVID-19 has paralyzed him, and he has remained pretty isolated for fear of contracting it.

 

Lisa’s response is commendable, and a real tribute to her profession. She works with her patients and their families in such a way that they are able to let her know all of their needs. That’s how she gains their trust. Lisa’s way is critical in the type of work she does. It is rare that I have seen such dedication, and I realize how privileged we are to work with her.—Nominated by Cheryl Gassnola

 

Myra Tamba, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Chestnut Hill

I’ve had the privilege and honor of having Myra Tamba for my chemotherapy nurse while I underwent treatment for stage 4 endometrial cancer. She was so caring and comforting during such a scary period in my life. She was not only my nurse, but became my friend. I miss her friendly face now that I’m in remission, but I know she’s out there, making someone else feel just as good as she did for me and taking good care of them.—Nominated by Donna McCaffrey

 

Dedham Medical Associates

Elizabeth Oxley, Dedham Medical Associates

Liz is the most professional and kindest nurse I know. No matter what the situation is, or how severe, my children’s health always comes first with Liz. She’s so sweet and gives the absolute best advice. I appreciate her so much words can’t describe. I’m so grateful Liz is a part of Dedham Medical—we’d definitely be lost without her.—Nominated by Marie Sharris