Two Windsor Regional Hospital nurses are being recognized for their compassionate care of cancer patients and their families.
Jennifer Hughes, of the hospital’s 4West inpatient oncology unit, and Michelle Gagnier, of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, are this year’s recipients of the Daniel Johnson Excellence in Oncology Nursing Award.
The annual award recognizes outstanding oncology nurses nominated by their peers and provides funding for advanced training, including techniques in pain management and compassionate care.
For Gagnier, the recognition is both humbling and meaningful.
“It’s very humbling and a big honour to be recognized by my peers,” she said.
Hughes said additional training is an opportunity to continue learning from patients and their experiences.
“I know we do it every day, but there’s always something more to learn,” she said. “Every person that passes through our doors … they take a little bit of my heart. They really do.”
Hughes, who has worked on the unit for eight years, said she strives to make patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their cancer journeys.
She also credited her colleagues, saying the award reflects the work of the entire team.
The award was established by the Johnson family in memory of Daniel Johnson, who died in 2010 after spending a month in the hospital’s 4West oncology unit.
His daughter, Megan Cascadden, said the family wanted to give back after experiencing the care provided to Daniel.
“After Dan’s passing, we were really grateful for the wonderful care that the hospital provided for him,” she said.
The family established the fund to honour his memory while supporting the hospital and the nurses caring for patients.
Cascadden said the annual presentation is emotional, but also an opportunity to remember her father and the impact he had on her life.
Windsor Regional Hospital says the award recognizes the contributions of oncology nurses while helping them develop their skills to support patients and families.