Health
CURE Magazine Announces Winner Of 2008 Extraordinary Healer Award For Oncology Nursing
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May 19, 2008, 18:50

(NAPSI)-Every day, people around the world are battling cancer and struggling to successfully overcome treatment, not to mention the emotional ups and downs of the disease.

Oncology nurses are on the front lines of providing care to cancer patients and their families, and are often the most important people in their team of medical professionals.

To recognize their commitment, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. is sponsoring CURE magazine’s 2008 Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, which honors oncology nurses who demonstrate unwavering dedication, compassion and helpfulness.

Nearly 200 cancer patients and caregivers submitted essays nominating oncology nurses who exemplify these characteristics.

This year ‘s winner, Karen Marchman, Clinical Research Coordinator, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (Orlando, FL), was announced during the second annual award reception at the Oncology Nursing Society’s 33rd Annual Congress.

Her patient, a breast cancer survivor and mother of four young sons, accompanied her to the reception. Marchman was described as a “priceless resource, trusted confidante and tireless advocate,” who always answered a myriad of medical questions and thoughtfully addressed her patients’ fears.

“The Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing is an avenue for patients to express gratitude and publicly acknowledge their nurses for providing them with meaningful support and a steadfast commitment,” says Kathy LaTour, Editor-at- Large, CURE and Heal magazines. “The hundreds of essays we receive reaffirm the important role that nurses play in a cancer patient’s life.”

In addition, the two finalists, Linda K. Huber, Program Manager, Psychiatric Services, St. Lukes Hospital (Kansas City, MO), and Randy Wecker, Registered Nurse, Marshfield Clinic (Marshfield, WI), and the individuals who nominated them attended the ceremony.

“Oncology nurses are a critical part of the strong network of care that patients need in the fight against cancer, often serving as the foundation of physical and emotional support,” said Kim Taylor, President, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. “We are pleased to be a part of an effort that recognizes and honors oncology nurses who are so dedicated to improving patient care.”

An excerpt from the winning essay demonstrates how cancer patients value their nurses’ extraordinary healing powers: “I have come to learn that Karen possesses a mysterious, perhaps sacred, ability to risk emotionally attaching herself to each patient, knowing full-well some will die while under her care.

She gives what Ralph Waldo Emerson described as, ‘The greatest gift: a portion of thyself.’ While I suspect an exceptional level of authentic concern for her patients has always marked Karen’s career, her tender care bears the marks of one well acquainted with the fragileness and frailty of life.”-Essayist Sheila S. McThenia, describing Nurse Karen Marchman, Clinical Research Coordinator, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (Orlando, FL).

The winning and finalist essays can be read and heard online at www.curetoday.com/healeraward beginning on June 24.

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