The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Recognizes Eric Cohen
Eric Cohen, of Inova Health System-Life with Cancer, as 2013 Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year
Washington, D.C. – (February 12, 2013) – The National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to name Fairfax resident Eric Cohen, RN, BSN, OCN, as the 2013 Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year. Eric is an Oncology Nurse and Program Manager for Patient and Family Education at Inova’s Life with Cancer Center in Fairfax, VA. LLS created this award nine years ago from a desire to acknowledge nurses making a difference in the treatment and care for patients with blood cancers.
Eric was nominated for the award by a member of one of his support groups, Betty Hill. “Eric always has time to listen. I wouldn’t be the same without the group he teaches, and the group wouldn’t be the same without him”, says Hill. “He is a seasoned professional who’s able to communicate directly, yet empathically, creating just the right tone amongst the group so that I feel safe to speak up.”
Eric’s approach as an oncology nurse is to create a space for patients and family members to feel safe and secure; a place they are relaxed. His commitment to this goal and personal motto to “be wherever the patient is,” has taught him to let go of his own agenda and let the patient and family members set their own. He also applies this same attitude every day at Life with Cancer as he partners with oncology social workers to provide more than 50 different programs each month.
Eric is most deserving of the prestigious Nurse of the Year title and will officially accept his award at a celebratory luncheon at 11:00 a.m. on February 20 at Life with Cancer. In addition, he will receive a $500 scholarship towards a continuing education program of his choosing, a spa package, and honored guest recognition at the 2013 Leukemia Ball on March 23 and Light The Night walk events in October.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s National Capital Area Chapter also recognizes first runner-up Veronica Stack of Washington Hospital Center and honorable mentions Eun Sledz of Washington Hospital Center, Evelyn Clewis of Inova Alexandria Hospital, and Edward Pleasants of Washington Oncology/Hematology Center.
To nominate a nurse for 2014 honors or for more information, please contact Hunter Robinson at Hunter.Robinson@lls.org or 703.399.2959.
Media interested in attending the 2013 Nurse of the Year awards luncheon on February 20, please contact Farrah.German@lls.org or 703.399.2918.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.
About The National Capital Area Chapter
LLS has 59 U.S. chapters, and the National Capital Area Chapter is one of the highest revenue-generating chapters in the nation. The National Capital Area Chapter serves Washington DC; the Maryland counties of Prince George and Montgomery; and the Virginia Counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William; and the city of Alexandria. More than 2,500 patients and families are served by the chapter each year. Follow us on Twitter @LLSNatCap.