“When I was 3, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a blood cancer of the bone marrow and the most common pediatric cancer. At Rady Children’s (CHOC at the time), the nurses were like family to us. They made what was such a difficult time for my family so much easier and brought so much joy and fun to our hospital stays—I used to ride the wagons down the basement halls that led to St. Joseph Hospital!
It has always been my dream to give back and work at Rady Children’s. Now, I not only have the privilege of working here, but I also get to work alongside some of the nurses who cared for me during my treatment.
Being a cancer survivor deepens the qualities that I possess as a nurse. I strive to give my patients the respect, empathy, and compassion I would have wanted for myself and my family. Knowing firsthand what it’s like for patients during and after treatment helps me advocate and speak up for them and their families during challenging times.”
