Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing

Tammy Zinn, a finalist for the Extraordinary Healer Award, reflects on the personal loss that led her to oncology nursing and the programs she built to support patients.

In a Q&A with CURE, oncology nurse Jill Winther reflects on advocacy, holistic care, and what's kept her in the field for 35 years.

Oncology nurse Tammy Zinn, an Extraordinary Healer finalist, discusses hope, advocacy, and launching Emma's Wish for patients with cancer.

Oncology nurse Jill Winther discusses why understanding treatment reasoning and advocating for patients matters most in cancer care.

Oncology nurse Jill Winther was honored for decades of patient advocacy, education and compassionate support across cancer care settings.

Jill Winther earned CURE’s 2026 Extraordinary Healer® Award for her leadership, advocacy and dedication to oncology nursing.

Sara Gideon, nurse practitioner, is a compassionate oncology nurse who supports patients with cancer, streamlines care and leads with dedication.

Amanda Snyder, a cancer survivor, became an oncology nurse to provide support she once lacked, now leading innovative therapies for patients.

Katherine has an exquisite instinct for understanding that there is a context to each patient’s diagnosis that is just as important to understand.

Kathleen Shuey, M.S., RN, SCON, ACNS-BC, listens and guides us in the right direction in caring for our oncology population.

Heather Patenaude, B.S.N., RN, displays the highest level of technical skills necessary to provide compassionate care to her patients.

Gayle S. Jameson, M.S.N, ACNP-BC, AOCN, is a trailblazer whose expertise and compassion have made a profound impact on oncology care.

Dr. Susan Rux, a respected nursing leader and researcher, empowers teams, mentors future leaders, and advances inclusive clinical research in kidney cancer.

Mary Anderson, B.S.N., RN, OCN, embodies the spirit of an Extraordinary Healer.

For the past 2 years, I have worked alongside Carmela Cuccurullo, NP.

This is a joint nomination by Camille Moses and Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez.

I would like to nominate Ashley Tullio, RN, for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer.

It is with great pride and admiration that I nominate Diane Hudson, RN, OCN, for the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing.

The nursing profession is home to countless extraordinary.

Reflecting upon my relationship with Jill over the past 25 years, I am in awe of all she has accomplished.

Mikela Pettigrew, B.S.N., RN, OCN,, exemplifies extraordinary compassion and dedication. Every day, she fulfills a promise she made as a young caregiver.

Kathleen Coughlin, although small in stature, is often referred to as the “Bulldozer.”

“Don’t aspire to make a living. Let’s aspire to make a difference in the Mandarin/Cantonese-speaking community.”

The journey that led to the creation of the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing began with a simple, yet profound, observation.

The 2025 Extraordinary Healer® Award was presented during the 50th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress, recognizing oncology nursing professionals' dedication and impact.