Jane Locke, BSN, RN

I've been battling stage IV rectal cancer since 2021, and Jane has been my nurse, advocate, cheerleader, and voice of reason since I first met her. Jane has answered every insane question, idea, and call for help I've had since becoming a patient in the GI oncology department. She is my direct point of contact for the office and always responds in a timely and professional way, even in my - at times - highly emotional state. I truly believe Jane saved my life. In 2023, I was selected for participation in an immunotherapy clinical trial. My husband and I had finally booked a vacation to Mexico two years into my diagnosis. My first treatment of the trial drug was two weeks before we were leaving. I got the all-clear to go on vacation. However, during the trip, I started to be extremely tired and run a low grade fever. I refused to let it ruin my vacation, but towards the end of the trip it was obvious something was wrong. The second I got back to Colorado, I went to the ER for labs. The next day I followed up with my oncologist, but nothing was really alarming. Until I went to work the next day and realized I was having to stop every 20 steps because I was short of breath. I honestly wasn't worried but figured I should call my voice of reason - Jane - and let her know. She told me to get to an ER immediately. I pushed back because I wanted to finish work, pick up my kids from school, etc. And I will never forget her words to me. "B, if you don't get to an ER in the next two hours, I am calling an ambulance to come pick you up at work. I am not joking." Jane is someone who advocates for me - and speaks my language. She knew I wouldn't go on my own. It turns out - she was right. The immunotherapy had started to damage my heart. I was immediately admitted to the hospital, pulled off the trial, and given heavy steroids to counteract the immune response. I don't even want to think about what would have happened if Jane hadn't called me immediately and forced me to go to the hospital. I visit her office every three months, and if I'm not on her service, she makes a point to stop by and see me. We talk about medical issues, but also share pictures of our children and our lives. This is just one example of what an incredible asset she is to UCHealth. She deserves all the accolades possible for her approachable, caring, and compassionate work ethic.