Opinion|Articles|July 15, 2026

Oncology Nurse Faces Stage 4 Lymphoma Diagnosis — and Returns Stronger

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Key Takeaways

Patricia McCrink’s 30+ years in oncology nursing are distinguished by sustained bedside presence, emotional support, and consistent advocacy for patients and families during high-acuity, life-altering care.
A stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis reframed her perspective, revealing how clinical settings and medical jargon can amplify fear even for experienced clinicians.
She normalized patient vulnerability by trusting her care team during treatment and translating that experience into more intentional, empathic nursing practice.
Community leadership during therapy included raising over $37,000 via Light the Night to support blood cancer research and patient services.
Post-chemotherapy, a PET scan showing no active disease preceded her return to nursing and education, with reinforced commitment to resilience, hope, and collective support.

Patricia McCrink, MSN, RN, CRT, of Miami Cancer Institute, completed treatment for stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma and returned to nursing with a deeper capacity for compassion and patient advocacy.

It is my honor to nominate Patricia McCrink for the Extraordinary Healer Award, a nurse whose compassion, resilience and unwavering dedication exemplify the very heart of oncology nursing. McCrink has spent more than 30 years caring for patients and families facing the most difficult moments of their lives. She has held hands, offered comfort and created hope in rooms filled with fear. But what truly sets McCrink apart is not just her clinical expertise — it is the extraordinary humanity she brings to her work.

On Oct. 10, 2024, McCrink's world changed when she was told she likely had cancer. Weeks later, she found herself sitting in the same building where she had spent her career caring for others, hearing the words: "You have stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma." Suddenly, she was no longer the nurse offering courage; she was the patient needing it. In her own words, "I thought I understood what my patients went through, but when the tables turned, I realized no amount of experience could prepare me."

Her journey through diagnosis and treatment, described openly and with extraordinary grace in her speeches, has deepened the empathy she already practiced so naturally. She spoke of the humbling experience of sitting in the same chair where she had once comforted others, hearing the same medical jargon she once used now directed at her. McCrink admitted that despite decades of experience, she felt overwhelmed and afraid. Yet she allowed herself to trust her team, showing the same vulnerability she has encouraged countless patients to embrace.

Even during treatment, she chose to transform her struggle into purpose. She and her husband led an effort to bring light to others through the Light the Night fundraiser, raising more than $37,000 to support blood cancer research and patient services. Her openness, strength and advocacy have inspired not only her family and colleagues, but also the patients who see in her a reflection of their own battles.

In July, McCrink completed chemotherapy and celebrated a PET scan showing no active disease. Instead of stepping back, she returned to nursing and education with an even deeper capacity for compassion. She is now a better nurse because she has walked the journey of her patients. She embodies resilience, hope and the belief that "we are, truly, better together."

McCrink has always been extraordinary — but her courage in the face of her own diagnosis has made her an even more remarkable healer. She represents the very spirit of this award, and I wholeheartedly believe she deserves this honor.

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