I first met Toni at my very first oncology appointment where my oncologist told me I had terminal brain cancer and that I was terminally ill. That was almost nine years ago. She gave me a card that had her work number on it and said if I needed anything, or had any questions I should ring. Which I have done often. Toni has always offered support and knowledge but that is not why I am nominating her, my reasons are:
-She has shown us genuine compassion without trying to pretend she knows what we are going through.
-She is never too busy to talk to me and when she doesn't know the answer she comes back to me in the timeframe she says she will.
-She is an approachable person who explains things at my level and then uses her amazing communication skills to ensure I have understood what she has said.
-Out of hundreds of people she sees, she remembers mine and my husband's names.
-We are so grateful to her and when we go to oncology (which is always just a fearful time), she understands that and her smile and manner are reassuring.
The staff is all great in oncology, but Toni has that extra wow factor that for almost nine years has made a hard journey somewhat easier.