July 2026 Honoree
Simona Linwood, RN
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in my lungs, and Simona was part of the clinical trial team treating me.
From day one, Simona stood out. She was a wonderful combination of caring, honesty, and knowledge. She always seemed able to read my mood, using humor to lift my spirits when I needed it most, while also taking the time to listen and empathize whenever I was worried or didn't understand something.
During my face-to-face oncology appointments, she explained things in ways I could understand when some of the consultants could not. She followed through on everything she said she would do, questioned things when needed, organized appointments quickly, and reassured me that I could contact her at any time. Knowing there was someone who would truly listen and understand gave me enormous comfort.
Between May and August, I was admitted to the hospital three times with fluid on my lungs, worsening symptoms from cancer progression, and liver problems. On two of those occasions, the problems were identified only because Simona called to check on how I was feeling. Had she not done so, I truly believe I would have been left until after the weekend and ended up in the Emergency Department with much more severe symptoms.
In July, I was told that the immunotherapy was no longer working, and both my treatment and participation in the clinical trial came to an end. Even then, Simona assured me that although I was no longer part of the trial, I could still contact her if I needed anything, and she would do whatever she could to help.
On the day I received that devastating news, Simona sat with my husband and me, taking the time to talk through my diagnosis and explain several things that I had not fully understood from the consultant. Having her there made an enormous difference. It never felt like she was simply doing her job. I genuinely felt that she cared about making sure I understood everything and about how I was coping.
Since then, Simona has continued to keep in touch. Whenever I have been unable to reach other members of my healthcare team, she has stepped in without hesitation, arranging blood forms, blood tests, and scans for me. Her support has made one of the most difficult periods of my life far easier to navigate.
I would say that Simona is a credit to her profession and a genuinely kind, caring, and wonderful person. She has made an immeasurable difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for the compassion, reassurance, and unwavering support she has given me.
From day one, Simona stood out. She was a wonderful combination of caring, honesty, and knowledge. She always seemed able to read my mood, using humor to lift my spirits when I needed it most, while also taking the time to listen and empathize whenever I was worried or didn't understand something.
During my face-to-face oncology appointments, she explained things in ways I could understand when some of the consultants could not. She followed through on everything she said she would do, questioned things when needed, organized appointments quickly, and reassured me that I could contact her at any time. Knowing there was someone who would truly listen and understand gave me enormous comfort.
Between May and August, I was admitted to the hospital three times with fluid on my lungs, worsening symptoms from cancer progression, and liver problems. On two of those occasions, the problems were identified only because Simona called to check on how I was feeling. Had she not done so, I truly believe I would have been left until after the weekend and ended up in the Emergency Department with much more severe symptoms.
In July, I was told that the immunotherapy was no longer working, and both my treatment and participation in the clinical trial came to an end. Even then, Simona assured me that although I was no longer part of the trial, I could still contact her if I needed anything, and she would do whatever she could to help.
On the day I received that devastating news, Simona sat with my husband and me, taking the time to talk through my diagnosis and explain several things that I had not fully understood from the consultant. Having her there made an enormous difference. It never felt like she was simply doing her job. I genuinely felt that she cared about making sure I understood everything and about how I was coping.
Since then, Simona has continued to keep in touch. Whenever I have been unable to reach other members of my healthcare team, she has stepped in without hesitation, arranging blood forms, blood tests, and scans for me. Her support has made one of the most difficult periods of my life far easier to navigate.
I would say that Simona is a credit to her profession and a genuinely kind, caring, and wonderful person. She has made an immeasurable difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for the compassion, reassurance, and unwavering support she has given me.
Thank you, Simona, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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