Elizabeth Miniscalco, RN, BSN, awarded for her exceptional care to breast cancer patients
Elizabeth Miniscalco had been an oncology nurse for 10 years, but that did not prepare her for the day she heard her own doctor tell her, "You have cancer." Although it was a challenging time, Elizabeth saw the bright side: she could now more fully understand what her patients were going through.
Now, nearly 10 years later, Elizabeth continues to use her experience with cancer to benefit her patients at Swedish Covenant Hospital, saying, "There could not be a better bond." She is often called upon to counsel and comfort her patients, but goes above and beyond in making each patient's health and well being her top priority.
Her selfless dedication to her patients was the driving force behind Elizabeth's motivation to create a Cancer Treatment Center that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to fighting cancer. Patients may now experience the powerful benefits of massage therapy, energy therapy, healing touch or laughter yoga during their chemotherapy sessions to help add a bit of comfort and stress relief. Because of Elizabeth's efforts, Swedish Covenant Hospital's Cancer Program has earned the Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program with Commendation from the American College of Surgeon's Commission on Cancer, which is the highest rank possible for this type of program.
Aware of the fact that a significant number of cancer cases at Swedish Covenant Hospital are breast cancer cases, Elizabeth has spent countless hours of research and planning to create a Breast Health Program at the facility. The program is complete with a Breast Health Specialist who addresses patients' medical, psychological and social needs and personally navigates them through treatment — an important aspect of cancer care that Elizabeth can personally attest to. Elizabeth is also responsible for initiating a partnership with Necessities Bag, a nonprofit organization with the mission of supporting mastectomy patients with a bag full of information and supplies to aid recovery.
This Breast Health Program will now have an extra boost of support: Yoplait is donating $1,000 to each Champion's charity of choice focused on the breast cancer cause, and Elizabeth's donation will go to this program.
Elizabeth's compassionate concern for the well-being of each patient has made a significant difference in the Cancer Treatment Center at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Time after time, patients commend the quality of care provided by Elizabeth and often credit her for making a difference in their outlook of fighting their own personal battle with breast cancer.
For a biographic video on Elizabeth, go to yoplait.com.
