Amy M. Cunningham, BSN, RN

No one wants to have cancer; it comes uninvited. When it does, try to have Amy at your side. She may not be able to make the cancer disappear, but she does make the process of getting well a delight, turning a sow's ear into a silk purse. Were I to design the perfect nurse, the name Amy Cunningham would be next to the final rendering. Her kindness, sweetness, and concern for the individual patient's comfort and well-being distinguish her as an ideal nurse. She makes me forget that I am having infusions of venom for Stage 4B cancer and instead makes me feel that I am at a world-class spa for a day of pampering and beauty treatments. Whether delivering chemo cocktails or bringing me cups of chocolate ice cream, Nurse Amy comes through as a radiant, loving creature, happy to be who she is, doing what she was meant to do. What a praiseworthy member of her profession. If I could, I would clone Nurse Amy and sprinkle her copies around the world. Everyone would be better off.