Heather Hunt, RN, BSN, OCN

My cancer journey began in August 2025, when I was diagnosed and began chemo treatments at Cone Cancer Clinic in Burlington, NC. In November, I was referred to Duke for my next journey: a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Anxious and afraid is an understatement. I had established a trusting relationship with my oncologist, nurses, and lab technicians. Transferring to Duke felt like starting all over again, where I knew nothing about the clinic location or any of the healthcare staff now assuming my care. I met Heather Hunt, RN, BSN, OCN, on my first visit in late December.

From the moment she introduced herself and explained that she would be my nurse navigator throughout my transplant process, she felt like a friend that I had known for a long time. She sat down with my husband and me and explained step by step the upcoming processes to prepare me for my stem cell transplant. She listened as I became emotional, crying from my fear of the unknown. Heather spent a long time listening and reassuring me that I was in very good hands, and that Duke is known as one of the top hospitals in the country for treating Multiple Myeloma with high success rates. My appointment with her was at the end of her day, and although we didn't finish until after 5 pm, she was patient and caring even though her shift had long ended.

I have seen Heather during each of my following appointments, and she is beyond kind, loving, caring, and compassionate. She even took time to schedule a phone call with my husband to answer several questions he had. She case manages countless patients, but she makes me feel as if I am the only one she has. I have no idea how she keeps up with all she does. Her attention to detail is phenomenal. She not only schedules my countless appointments, which are required in preparation for the transplant, but she also makes a calendar and explains each test and the location so I am not so overwhelmed. She also communicates with the Duke pharmacy and ensures that everything is coordinated with my insurance to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

There really aren't enough words to express the difference Heather has made in my life. Having cancer is one of the most devastating life events anyone will experience. Having a care team wrap their arms around you gives you hope, and that's what Heather gives me...hope. When I think of a "daisy," I think of sunshine, and that describes Heather. She is a smiling ray of sunshine, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. The Duke Blood Cancer Clinic is so blessed to have her, and so are every patient and their families whose lives she touches.