I approached Michele about running a breast cancer support group as a volunteer. She was very excited about the idea and went through the channels to help make it happen. We have been running this group together for the last four years including this year. I found her to be a competent and caring professional. She has been the "jack of all trades" to the breast clinic. She has a "can do" attitude that is appreciated by everyone who works with her. I have seen Michele put herself out for patients and staff a like; never saying, "This is not my job or I'm too busy."
She has been both a professional and emotional support to me. I am a long term survivor of metastatic breast cancer. This means I have had my ups and downs and fears and not always great realities. Michelle has listened to my trials and supported me even when things were scary. When I fell two years ago exacerbating the herniated disks that also had bone metastasis; I was scared that this would be it for me, that I would be on a cane and in pain for the rest of my life (we at that time had two stage four patients in the support group with bone metastasis and a great deal of pain.). How was I going to get through this and still be encouraging to my fellow group members?
Michele was right there with empathy compassion and support. She never questioned my competence or ability to use my skills as a clinical social worker to help others but was honest with me with group feedback and support in a way that allowed me to maintain focus and professionalism. Michele embraces the best of what it means to be a nurse, a survivor and a woman. I consider myself privileged to count her among my friends.
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Michele Worden acts as an advocate, cheerleader, educator, and supporter of breast cancer patients and their families and friends, and of women with non-cancerous breast issues. She is incredibly dedicated and compassionate with her patients, and puts in enormous numbers of hours, working to meet all the needs of her patients. They often need someone to talk to or answer their questions and she provides her cell number to all her patients and answers their call days, nights, or weekends.
She started a breast cancer support group that meets twice per month in 2012. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Michele has a deep and abiding understanding of the needs of those touched by the disease. This group has been a lifeline for many women and averages about 15 attendees per meeting. Michele has kept the group dynamic, providing speakers and presenters as and the group has become a true support network.
Michele has excellent knowledge of all aspects of breast cancer treatment. She is the coordinator of our weekly Breast Tumor Boards and presents follow-ups on all cases presented. She also maintains documentation on all standards for NAPBC including delays in treatment and has instituted a number of initiatives to reduce delays with notable decreases. ORMC now exceeds national benchmarks in this area. Michele's oversight of these standards was instrumental in our 2013 NAPBC survey with no deficiencies.
Ensuring that women without insurance receive needed breast care is a passion for Michele. She organizes our quarterly breast screening days which we hold in cooperation with Orange County Cancer Services. In addition to ensuring that the women who attend receive great medical care, Michele purchases and sets up a breakfast table and organizes 'goody bags' for each attendee. If a woman is found to have cancer, Michele stays with them through their journey, finding them resources to provide needed services.
Michele is an excellent speaker and does numerous educational events throughout the year on breast health. She has also presented numerous times to other members of the Oncology team and to staff throughout the hospital on a variety of topics related to Navigation and Oncology.

Michele was a Team Captain for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and her team raised well over $5000. She was instrumental in planning for and staffing the event. She is currently working with the American Cancer Society in planning the Step into Spring fashion show to featuring breast cancer survivors and supporting Breast Cancer Research. Michele is generous in supporting the fight against this disease.
Michele has also been recognized by ORMC for her superior performance. She received a "Care and Compassion" Quality award in 2013 and she was recently nominated for a Daisy Award by a fellow nurse. She is recognized by her peers as a role model for patient care and for her support of her colleagues.
Michele was certified in Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation (STAR) which is a specialized rehabilitation program for cancer patients, in 2013 and renewed her certification in 2014. She renewed her CBHN (Certified Breast Health Nurse) certification last year and is certified in Clinical Breast Exam. She is committed to continuous learning and encourages her colleagues to pursue educational opportunities.
Michele is an excellent representative of ORMC and she is deserving of this recognition.