Levine Cancer Institute’s mission of “Cancer Care Close to Home” is critical to patients and families near our regional sites. To make this mission a reality, it takes teammates who are dedicated to their communities and passionate about their care. Hannah Blalock, RN, OCN, AMB-BC, epitomizes this daily in her role as the single nurse at her clinic in Stanly County.

As a member of the community, she easily connects and bonds with her patients and understands their needs. They trust her, and she helps to remove barriers and get them the care they need. The relationships they form and her commitment to their care make a huge difference as patients navigate a cancer diagnosis. An example of this occurred recently when a patient presented for consultation for multiple new symptomatic intracranial lesions concerning for malignancy. His primary cancer was unknown, but he had received prostate cancer treatment in the past. During the nursing intake portion of the consultation, Hannah sensed something was not right with the patient. He had trouble recalling both historic and current medical events and appeared to have trouble finding words but insisted he was fine. He was accompanied by his spouse who also seemed confused and unable to participate in the conversation. After the consult was complete, he was scheduled to return for radiation simulation. The nurse continued to express her concern about his well-being and feared he would not return for sim despite being educated and given printed and written appointment information. There was no emergency contact or HCPOA listed in his chart. After the appointment, she went above and beyond to pull his and review old records from years ago trying to find any helpful information.

The day of his simulation appointment came, and just as Hannah feared, he did not show. Instead of moving on, Hannah called to check on him. He had no recollection of anything and seemed even more confused. Hannah was very concerned and desperate to help him. She asked if he had any children, and a lightbulb turned on, and he remembered he had a daughter. She was surprised and asked more questions about her, but he could not state her name or phone number but said he knew it was in his iPhone. The nurse helped him navigate through the phone and find her name and phone number. With his permission, she contacted the daughter. She had no idea of anything that was going on. The nurse proceeded to tell her the sequence of events and that his worsening confusion was a great concern, and after a discussion with the radiation oncologist felt he needed to go to the ED. She said she knew her dad wouldn’t call an ambulance, and she left her job in Charlotte immediately and drove to Albemarle to get him and take him to the ED. She also explained his wife had severe dementia, and he was her caretaker.

Demonstrating her unwavering dedication again, the nurse called to check on the patient later that day. He had been admitted to CMC-Main with a brain bleed which explained his worsening symptoms. The daughter broke down in tears on the phone in appreciation for contacting her to get him help. She said her dad was a retired police officer and a brilliant man, the smartest man she’d ever know and to see him so confused was heartbreaking. The patient had a short stay in the hospital but was able to receive some treatment for symptom control and was ultimately discharged home with hospice. Hannah kept in contact with the daughter during his hospital stay who voiced her appreciation many times for Hannah being persistent and seeking a way to help her father. His daughter said if it wasn’t for Hannah, she may have never had a chance to see or talk to her dad again. Although he died just a few days after getting home, the daughter said those last days spent with him meant everything to her, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

Hannah’s commitment to her patients is second to none. She is a true advocate for her patients and their families and never settles. Hannah is a true asset to her community and LCI.