I have worked in pediatric oncology for over twenty years. One of the main reasons is that Laura Ortiz is the director. Laura cares deeply about our patient population and about each of her staff. On more than one occasion, she has either come in at night or called with the offer to do so. On a personal note, she did everything she could to adjust and accommodate my schedule when my sister was going through cancer treatment (twice). She was supportive of both me and my sister (a PICU staff member). Also, when my mom was dying (four years ago yesterday), she checked on us all the time, always offering to help with anything we needed, and just being there- during and after. I will always be grateful for that.