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The North Carolina Cancer Hospital’s 2018 Oncology Excellence Awards highlight excellence in service to patients and colleagues.

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(From left to right) Loretta Muss, Kimberly Wehner, DNP, FNP-BC, Amy Mellow and Mallory Lexa, MSN, RN, OCN, CNL were each recognized with a 2018 Oncology Excellence Award.
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Lisa A. Carey, MD, and H. Shelton Earp, MD, enjoy a light moment during the Oncology Excellence Awards ceremony.

Though their career paths to the North Carolina Cancer Hospital differ, the four recipients of this year’s Oncology Excellence Awards have much in common, including a shared sense of compassion, selflessness, and a commitment to their colleagues and individuals with cancer and their families.

Standing before a capacity gathering of colleagues and family members in the cancer hospital’s Tony Williams Lobby, Mallory Lexa, MSN, RN, OCN, CNL, and Kimberly Wehner, DNP, FNP-BC, were honored with the Oncology Excellence Award for Nursing, and Amy Mellow and Loretta Muss were recognized with the Oncology Excellence Award for Service.

The Oncology Excellence Awards were established in 2002 in memory of Charmayne S. Gray, an oncology nurse practitioner who died in an auto accident. UNC Lineberger’s David Ollila, MD, who is co-director of the UNC Skin Cancer and Melanoma Program and worked closely with Gray, said although the number of her colleague who still work at the cancer hospital grows fewer each year, Gray’s legacy of excellence and patient-first care lives on in those who are nominated for the awards each year.

2018 Oncology Nursing Excellence Awards Recipients

Mallory Lexa, MSN, RN, OCN, CNL
Clinical Nurse IV; 4 Oncology

Lexa’s nominators wrote that she is a “dedicated member of the inpatient nursing team” who is “very connected to her patients.” She meets “everyone with a smile, every day is a good day.” “She embodies Carolina Care by embracing the tenents of our mission to provide care in collaboration with patients, families and other health team members.”

Kimberly Wehner, DNP, FNP-BC
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy

Wehner’s nominators wrote that “Not only has Kim contributed to the clinical and educational missions of the Cancer Hospital, but she has brought excellence into clinical research efforts.” She was also lauded for her work as a mentor, including with the UNC School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Committee, and serving as a preceptor with the advanced practice providers.

2018 Oncology Service Excellence Awards Recipients

Amy Mellow
Clinical Support Technician II
Outpatient Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic

Mellow’s nominators wrote that “Amy is the face of the [pediatric hematology-oncology] clinic. She greets the children and their families with a huge and comforting smile, a joke or two and a grace and caring attitude that would put anyone at ease, even in the most stressful of situations.” “Every clinic should have an ‘Amy.'”

Loretta Muss, BA
Coordinator, N.C. Cancer Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council
Comprehensive Cancer Support Program

Muss’ nominators wrote that “Loretta Muss is a tireless, compassionate, and extraordinarily accomplished ambassador of patient and family centered care at UNC.” Her “genuine caring for our patients and their loved ones brings great distinction to UNC.”

In addition to award recipients, the event also recognized the 17 other staff members who were nominated:

Oncology Nursing Excellence Nominees

SuLin Anthony, RN, BSN, OCN
MOP Navigation/Lymphoma/Leukemia

Kelly Coen, RN, OCN
Adult Oncology Infusion Center

Karyn Jean (KJ) Daguerre, RN, BSN, MPH
MOP Navigation/Leukemia

Colleen Davis, RN, MSN, CPNP, CPHON
Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic

Megan Fasold, RN, BSN, PCCN | PSM III
Care Access and Navigation

Tressy Fogleman, RN
4 Oncology

Joan Martinho, RN, OCN
MOP Navigation/GU

Megan Ubik, RN, BSN, CNIV, OCN
Adult Oncology Infusion Center

Shamekia Wilson, RN, BSN, OCN
GYN Oncology

Cheri Young, MSN, RN, OCN, | PSM II
Oncology Nurse Navigation Program

Oncology Service Excellence Nominees

Majorie Dieudonne, CMA
Adult Outpatient Oncology Clinics

June Fearrington, Clinical Support Technician
GYN Oncology Clinic

Belinda Gunn, Administrative Coordinator
Hematology/Oncology MOP Office

Megan Sterlina, PA-C
Outpatient Malignant Hematology Clinic

Farrell Wiggins, MSOT, OTR
Oncology Occupational Therapy

LaTonya Williams, Office Manager
Genetics

Jackie Williamson, CMD
Radiation Oncology Dosimetry

The event has proven to be a highlight of the year thanks in large part to the work by the Oncology Excellence Awards Steering Committee members Pam Baker, Marianne Baskaron, Sharon Bigelow and Tina Shaban, and a team of volunteers who assistant them.