Oncology Nurse Leads With Compassion and Resilience

Theresa Gannon exemplifies extraordinary compassion, expertise and dedication in her role as an oncology nurse. Since joining Mayo Clinic’s inpatient oncology team in 2011, Theresa has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her patients and colleagues. Her pursuit of excellence is evident through her Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential, which she has proudly maintained since 2009. Theresa is a fierce advocate for specialty certification, inspiring others to pursue professional growth and elevate the quality of oncology nursing practice.

Theresa is known for taking extra time with each of her patients, regardless of how busy her shift may be. She does more than complete tasks — she connects. She holds their hands, prays with those who welcome it and serves as a steady source of light and strength during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her presence is calming, her listening is intentional and her compassion is palpable in every interaction.

Her resilience is equally inspiring. Theresa completed her nursing degree as a single mother of three young children, balancing the demands of school, work and parenting with grace and determination. In recent years, she has faced countless personal challenges while caring for several ill family members and friends, yet she continues to show up every day with a smile, ready to provide exceptional care to some of the sickest patients. Her ability to persevere through adversity while delivering compassionate, expert care speaks volumes about her character.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Theresa has been deeply engaged in advancing oncology nursing through her involvement with the local Southeast Minnesota Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) chapter, where I first met her after I joined the chapter’s board of directors. Since 2011, she has served in various leadership roles, including chapter president in 2012 and membership chair for the past four years. In these roles, she has organized multiple journal clubs that foster professional development for local oncology nurses and enrich discussions by engaging article authors directly.

What makes Theresa’s journal clubs exceptional is the intentionality behind them. Each topic is carefully selected to meet the educational needs of local chapter members and tied to current issues and trends in clinical oncology practice. These sessions go beyond theory, providing practical, evidence-based insights that nurses can immediately apply to patient care. By choosing relevant, timely topics and facilitating dialogue with article authors, Theresa ensures these learning opportunities are dynamic, interactive and meaningful for participants.

Theresa gives 100% of herself in everything she does — whether at the bedside, through professional organizations or while supporting her loved ones. Her compassion, advocacy, resilience and dedication to both her patients and the oncology nursing profession make her an outstanding nominee for the Extraordinary Healer Award.

This nomination reflects the nominator's personal experience and perspective. CURE® does not endorse or evaluate individual nominees, and submissions are not influenced by any commercial or professional affiliation.

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