A 14 year old brain tumor patient who was diagnosed and treated at ACH unfortunately passed away from his disease earlier this year. Prior to his death, the patient and his mother inquired if he was able to donate his brain tissue for research. Jennifer Flanary, RN, Clinical Research Coordinator for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, decided she was going to help fulfill the patient's wish and made multiple contacts to determine what institutions would be interested in accepting the brain tissue for research. Jen coordinated her effort with the patient's hospice nurse as well as his doctor and pathology; to ensure that when the patient did pass away everything was in order to honor the patient's request. As a result, the patient was able to fulfill his wish and his tissue was donated to the National Institutes of Health and Baylor for brain tumor research.

"Jen's dedication to fulfilling the patient's wish to donate his brain for research was an incredible gift to the family."

Jen has a heart of gold and is a wonderful representation of nursing and advocating for the patient and the family. We are blessed to have Jen as part of our ACH and research family.