Alyssa is talented, amazing, and caring. Alyssa is a gem and a gold star. Alyssa exemplifies everything that is great about nurses. To understand why Alyssa is so great, you must understand my cancer journey.

I am in my 70s, and I have been and continue to battle an aggressive form of uterine cancer for the past 2 years with the help of UCI doctors and nurses in the Gynecology Oncology Dept. I have been through 3 rounds of chemotherapy (usually lasting six sessions each round) and 1 round of radiation (5x every week for six weeks). It’s been a difficult journey. Although my cancer treatment has been difficult, I have been helped throughout by an “angel” named Nurse Alyssa Torreflores at UCI’s Gynecology Oncology Clinic.

I remember the first time I met her. I was at the UCI clinic and was wracked with fear of the upcoming surgery and chemo. Alyssa comforted me, and she gave me warmth and light. Every time I feel sick from my chemo treatment or have bad side effects, I call her, and she helps with recommendations. Every time I have a procedural question regarding blood work or my chemo regimen, Alyssa is there to help make things easier for me. Alyssa coordinates and is the “glue” that keeps my cancer treatment going, from coordinating with doctors, pharmacies, labs, chemo schedules, and side effects, among other things. I don’t know how she does it since I am 1 of probably hundreds of patients she must deal with. She makes it all look so easy. Without a doubt, Alyssa has given me strength during my cancer journey. I, along with my family, adore Alyssa and am grateful for her care and kindness.