Teaching by example: courage, commitment & compassion Diane E. Barag, BS, RNC. Interview by Jennifer Neidig

While at work, Diane noticed numbing in her hands and was told to visit the emergency department. After scans, labs and doctor visits, Diane was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer, subsequently undergoing 10 rounds of chemo. She returned to work wearing her mask and a wig topped with an Eagles hat. After returning from blood transfusions or recovering from Nulasta, she never complained. Even during troubled times, Diane had her finger on the pulse of her unit--recognizing staff achievements, sitting with struggling families and being emotionally present for all patients. Diane smiles, she makes others laugh ... and while she may not feel well, she is always living. Diane has taught us all to care for our patients in such a real way by sharing her story so transparently with us. Courage--you define it. Commitment--you embody it. Compassion--you live it. You are an extraordinary example of hope, determination and kindness even in the hardest of times. We truly thank her for teaching by example!