August 2026 Honoree
Chieko Hirano, RN
Chieko received 8 separate nominations.
1. Chieko! Like sunshine. She was our nurse for the fourth day. She was warm, joyful, and efficient. Mom's sister died on the fourth day of infusions, and she helped move us to a quieter spot.
2. Chieko got my IV on the first stick. She is always sweet and proactive.
3. Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary, especially at the beginning when you're trying to understand all the moving parts. Chieko was my chemo education nurse and was so knowledgeable, comforting, and sweet as she walked through everything.
There isn't a day you don't see her moving between patients, supporting her team, and taking a genuine interest in the people there for treatment (visitors included). Always has a smile on her face and just makes you feel good. My wins are her wins, and her optimism is contagious! We love Chieko!
4. Our nurse introduced herself and showed mom her name badge, so her initial communication was clear. She was very pleasant and even provided a hand warming pack for mom's cold hand. That simple act of kindness was recognized and very appreciated.
5. She is always so nice, welcoming, and informative.
6. Nurse Chieko is always very attentive to my needs and goes above and beyond what's required in her nursing duties. Her personality is pleasant, and she works with a smile, which brightens my day.
As I watch and assist my mother endure her cancer treatments, I'm encouraged by the warmth she brings to the infusion session.
7. As I went through chemo, Chieko was amazing. As my nurse, she always explained what she was doing and why. She was very diligent about knowing when my timer would go off to quickly move to the next medicine.
Even weeks when she wasn't assigned as my nurse, she would assist with putting on the cold cap. She is caring and compassionate.
8. When I ask her questions about my test results or the details of my prescriptions, she explains them to me in detail so that I can fully understand. She is very friendly and kind as always.
It has been 15 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and throughout this entire time, I have been under the care of Dr. Z. Thanks to her care, I am able to lead a normal life. Currently, my treatment consists of receiving a Herceptin injection every three weeks at Northside Hospital.
Over these 15 years, I have undergone various medication regimens and chemotherapy treatments to reach the point where I am today—still alive and well. I truly have nothing but gratitude for Dr. Z and the nursing staff.
In particular, ever since I met Chieko at the infusion center, it has been an immense help to be able to ask questions about things I didn't understand in my native language. It gives me such peace of mind. While everyone at the infusion center—from the receptionists and schedulers to the nurses—is kind, Chieko is truly special.
1. Chieko! Like sunshine. She was our nurse for the fourth day. She was warm, joyful, and efficient. Mom's sister died on the fourth day of infusions, and she helped move us to a quieter spot.
2. Chieko got my IV on the first stick. She is always sweet and proactive.
3. Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary, especially at the beginning when you're trying to understand all the moving parts. Chieko was my chemo education nurse and was so knowledgeable, comforting, and sweet as she walked through everything.
There isn't a day you don't see her moving between patients, supporting her team, and taking a genuine interest in the people there for treatment (visitors included). Always has a smile on her face and just makes you feel good. My wins are her wins, and her optimism is contagious! We love Chieko!
4. Our nurse introduced herself and showed mom her name badge, so her initial communication was clear. She was very pleasant and even provided a hand warming pack for mom's cold hand. That simple act of kindness was recognized and very appreciated.
5. She is always so nice, welcoming, and informative.
6. Nurse Chieko is always very attentive to my needs and goes above and beyond what's required in her nursing duties. Her personality is pleasant, and she works with a smile, which brightens my day.
As I watch and assist my mother endure her cancer treatments, I'm encouraged by the warmth she brings to the infusion session.
7. As I went through chemo, Chieko was amazing. As my nurse, she always explained what she was doing and why. She was very diligent about knowing when my timer would go off to quickly move to the next medicine.
Even weeks when she wasn't assigned as my nurse, she would assist with putting on the cold cap. She is caring and compassionate.
8. When I ask her questions about my test results or the details of my prescriptions, she explains them to me in detail so that I can fully understand. She is very friendly and kind as always.
It has been 15 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and throughout this entire time, I have been under the care of Dr. Z. Thanks to her care, I am able to lead a normal life. Currently, my treatment consists of receiving a Herceptin injection every three weeks at Northside Hospital.
Over these 15 years, I have undergone various medication regimens and chemotherapy treatments to reach the point where I am today—still alive and well. I truly have nothing but gratitude for Dr. Z and the nursing staff.
In particular, ever since I met Chieko at the infusion center, it has been an immense help to be able to ask questions about things I didn't understand in my native language. It gives me such peace of mind. While everyone at the infusion center—from the receptionists and schedulers to the nurses—is kind, Chieko is truly special.
Thank you, Chieko, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees