"My career in healthcare really stemmed at an early age by my strong desire to help those that are in need. Because of my passion for working with patients in the most dire of circumstances, I have gravitated to nursing in the Oncology field. I split my time with my current employer between both inpatient and outpatient services, and I always think back to a patient that was on our inpatient unit a few years ago diagnosed with colon cancer. He was failing very fast and in getting to know him, I knew that his major love in life was dogs. His best canine friend, Marty, passed away a few years prior and he always talked about his love of dogs. Knowing that his last days were approaching, I called our volunteer services coordinator to see if a canine helper dog could be brought in to provide therapy. I had to complete a quick form for approval, but the next day a beautiful golden retriever was brought to his bedside throughout the day and I know the patient greatly appreciated it!"