Breast Cancer Coalition Calls for Nominations for the 2025 Heart & Hands Award
Rochester, NY – Since 2010, the Breast Cancer Coalition has annually presented the Laurie Pask Heart & Hands Award to a cancer care provider whose work embodies a balance of kindness and compassion, collaboration, respect, and clinical approach. This award is especially meaningful, as each provider is nominated by a breast or gynecologic cancer survivor who knows firsthand the power of exceptional care.
Nominations are currently open through Monday, May 5. This year’s award recipient will be announced at the Coalition’s ACTober event on Thursday, October 16, at ARTISANworks.
The Heart & Hands Award is presented in honor of Laurie Pask, RN, whose work as a care provider best exemplified kindness, compassion, respect, collaboration, and clinical approach. Laurie was a breast cancer survivor herself and was an early member of the Coalition’s Common Ground group, a dedicated group for those living with metastatic, advanced, chronic, or recurrent breast or gynecologic cancer. She often said, “Remember, we’re living with advanced breast cancer, not dying of it.”
Christina Thompson, Executive Director, remarks, “The Heart & Hands Award empowers those who have undergone treatment for breast or gynecologic cancer by allowing them to nominate an oncology provider who demonstrated exceptional compassion. This act not only recognizes and uplifts the care that made a difference in their journey but also validates their experiences and reinforces their voice in shaping a culture of empathy and excellence in cancer care.”
Last year’s honoree, Dr. Rachel David, epitomized the four categories by which the Heart & Hands Award is granted. As a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the Lipson Cancer Center through Rochester Regional Health, Dr. David recently shared her reflections as the award recipient: “To hear that I was nominated for this award from my patients was truly such an honor. It’s a privilege to be able to take care of patients in this community, and I’m grateful to be able to make a small impact.”
Now through May 5, breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in the community are encouraged to submit their nominations for the 2025 Laurie Pask Heart & Hands Award by visiting bccr.org/heart-hands-award/.