June 2025 Honoree
Natasha M Welch, RN
I am a student nurse and went to the DanceBlue clinic as an observer for class. I was paired with Meiko for the day, and we discussed the subject of how I had battled pediatric cancer and then relapsed again as an adult.
Throughout my time on the unit, we discussed more of my experience with cancer treatment, and she asked if I had ever rang the bell at the end of either of my treatments. I told her I hadn’t ever gotten the chance to. As my time on the unit came to an end, Meiko pulled me into the hall and explained she had put together a bell-ringing ceremony for me if I would like to participate. She made a class observation day into one of the most memorable days of my life.
Seven years after my first time beating cancer and six months after my second time beating cancer, I was finally able to ring the bell thanks to Meiko, whom I had met just a few hours earlier. Not only did Meiko create a lasting positive memory for me, but she also made me even more excited to be a nurse!
Throughout my time on the unit, we discussed more of my experience with cancer treatment, and she asked if I had ever rang the bell at the end of either of my treatments. I told her I hadn’t ever gotten the chance to. As my time on the unit came to an end, Meiko pulled me into the hall and explained she had put together a bell-ringing ceremony for me if I would like to participate. She made a class observation day into one of the most memorable days of my life.
Seven years after my first time beating cancer and six months after my second time beating cancer, I was finally able to ring the bell thanks to Meiko, whom I had met just a few hours earlier. Not only did Meiko create a lasting positive memory for me, but she also made me even more excited to be a nurse!
Thank you, Natasha M, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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