Anne Marie Cortese
June 2015
Anne Marie
Cortese
,
BSN
Oncology
Crouse Hospital
Syracuse
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

Two years ago, we cared for a young man in his thirties with acute leukemia. As a child he had lymphoma so had already battled cancer previously. He was very guarded at times and a bit introverted. Anne Marie worked her magic and found things that interested him to talk about, she found he had a love of penguins. She developed a strong relationship with the patient and his family. Re-admissions were less difficult for him. The last admission he had, he became very ill and a treatment plan was started. During a night shift several days later he was found pulseless, resuscitation efforts were not successful. His family was devastated. Staff was heartbroken. Anne Marie decided to take action. She took up a collection and adopted a penguin at the Gifford Zoo in his honor. After his funeral Anne Marie took the adoption papers to his family. We received cards of gratitude for caring not only their son but his family as well.

This is just one of many examples of why Anne Marie is being nominated for this award. She also volunteers for many projects, races, fundraisers, Francis House and just recently shaved her head for St Baldrick's for the second time.