Praising the Work of Carole Edwards and the Oncology Nursing Society

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 8, 2004

PRAISING THE WORK OF CAROLE EDWARDS AND THE ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY

Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Carole Edwards, RN, BSN, of Juneau, AK. Carole is the first recipient of the Oncology Nursing Society, ONS, Excellence in Oncology Nursing Health Policy and Advocacy Award. ONS established the award this year to acknowledge the efforts of the many oncology nurses who participate as state health policy liaisons and other members who are active in advocacy efforts.

Cancer is a complex, multifaceted and chronic disease, and people with cancer are best served by a multidisciplinary health care team specialized in oncology care, including nurses who are certified in that specialty. This year alone, 1.3 million Americans will hear the words, "You have cancer." In addition, 556,000 will lose their battle with this terrible disease. Every day, oncology nurses see the pain and suffering caused by cancer and understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that people with cancer face throughout their diagnosis and treatment. Oncology nurses play a central role in the provision of quality cancer care as they are principally involved in the administration and monitoring of chemotherapy and the associated side-effects patients may experience.

The Oncology Nursing Society is the largest organization of oncology health professionals in the world, with more than 31,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals nationwide. Since 1975, the ONS has been dedicated to excellence in patient care, teaching, research, administration and education in the field of oncology. To that end, ONS honors and maintains an historical and essential commitment to advocacy for the public good by providing nurses and healthcare professionals with access to the highest quality educational programs, cancer-care resources, research opportunities and networks for peer support.

On behalf of the people with cancer and their families in my home State of Alaska, I would like to acknowledge Carole Edwards and thank her and ONS for their ongoing commitment to improving and assuring access to quality cancer care for all cancer patients and their families. Through Carole's and ONS's leadership, our Nation is charting a course that will help us win the war on cancer. I urge my colleagues to support them in their important endeavors.