Dalton Cummins, cancer survivor, becomes a nurse at hospital where he was a patient

People magazine reported this story written by Hilary Shenfeld. It was published on October 5, 2024.

"Nurse Dalton Cummins can truly relate to his oncology patients at Riley Hospital for Children. After all, he was once a patient there himself, battling two different forms of cancer and coming close to death more than once."

"Cummins, now 24, was first diagnosed with lymphoma at age 19 after what he initially thought was a case of COVID-19. He underwent successful treatment at the Indianapolis children's hospital, only to be struck again a few months later with a different form of the disease."

"Now recovered, Cummins is back in the cancer unit but instead of lying in a bed hooked up to tubes and monitors, he is the one tending to young children, some of whom might be reluctant to take their medicines, just as he once was."

Read the original article on People.

Cheers!

Donna

New resource for nurses from JAN: "A situations and solutions finder" provides examples of workplace accommodation scenarios

 

"The Situations and Solutions Finder draws on information collected from JAN customers. JAN receives this information from customers who choose to provide feedback, usually in an email or through an ongoing survey conducted by JAN where employers contribute information about workplace accommodations. Participating employers represent government agencies and diverse industry sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, service, wholesale/retail sales, etc., and span from very small businesses to global corporations. According to JAN survey findings, workplace accommodations are typically low-cost and positively impact the workplace in many ways. To learn about the costs and benefits associated with workplace accommodations, read Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact."

"The situations and solutions included in the Situations and Solutions Finder are examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every individual or workplace but offer ideas about the types of accommodations that may be possible. The Situations and Solutions Finder lets users explore various accommodation scenarios by searching for examples based on Disability, Limitation, and Occupation. Various disabilities and health conditions are represented. JAN offers practical guidance on workplace accommodations and information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employment provisions but does not provide legal advice or determine if a health condition qualifies as a disability under the ADA. Examples in the Situations and Solutions Finder do not imply any specific condition is a disability."

"It's important to note that the Situations and Solutions Finder is not a comprehensive resource for accommodation information. For answers to specific questions about workplace accommodation situations, contact JAN directly for a free consultation, and/or use JAN’s A to Z resources."

Check it out at https://askjan.org/sitsol/index.cfm

Cheers!

Donna

Congratulations to Chloe Hammond!! UK nurse with service dog "Ocho" wins award!

 

Chloe Hammond, Service dog "Ocho" and Paula Hoggarth, Group Operations Director at Radis Community Care
Chloe Hammond shared the following regarding her award:

"I am thrilled and humbled to share that I have been honored as the Outstanding Female Disability Champion at the The Women's Awards (West Midlands). This recognition means the world to me, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the unwavering support that has fueled my passion."

"A Career Like No Other, Nursing is not just a profession; it’s a calling. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed both the joys and heartaches of life. The long hours, emotional strain, and physical demands can be overwhelming. But every day, I start work with determination, knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life. It’s a privilege to care for others during their most vulnerable moments, especially for an amazing equal opportunities employer like Radis Community Care!"

"Being disabled adds an extra layer of complexity to my role. The physical challenges are real—I navigate my role in my wheelchair, finding creative solutions to ensure patient comfort. But it’s the invisible battles—the resilience required to overcome societal misconceptions and biases—that truly test me. I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about the courage to defy limitations."

"Being a disabled nurse feels near impossible at times. The stares, the doubts, the logistical hurdles—it’s a constant uphill climb. But I refuse to let my disability define me. Instead, I channel my energy into providing compassionate care. When a patient smiles, when a family member finds solace in my words, I know I’m doing something right and that’s what matters most."

"My Loyal Assistant My faithful companion, Ocho, deserves a special mention. He’s not just a dog; he’s my partner in healing, my team mate. Ocho knows my needs (physical and mental). He offers comfort during tough shifts, and reminds me to find joy in small moments. Together, we spread positivity. Thank you Dog A.I.D. (Assistance In Disability) for making this possible."

"To my colleagues, mentors, and friends—thank you. Your unwavering support has carried me through the toughest days. To my family, who sees beyond my disability and loves me unconditionally, I am forever grateful. And to my patients past present and future, you are my motivation."

"Moving Forward, As I “stand” here, an Outstanding Female Disability Champion, I promise to keep pushing boundaries. I won’t let my wheelchair be a barrier; it’s a vehicle for change. Let’s redefine what’s possible. Together, we can create a more inclusive world—one where compassion knows no bounds. Thank you, everyone, for being part of my journey. Your love and support fuel my determination. Let’s continue making a difference, one caring gesture at a time."

With gratitude, 

Chloë Hammond (Wheelie Nurse)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wheelienurse_disabilitychampion-nurselife-resilience-activity-7245732355145875456-a-eY/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Unapologetically Me! Award winning Disabled Nurse and Qualified Assistance dog trainer Follow us on Instagram: @wheelie.nurse.with.a.dog & @WatchOchoGrow

hashtag#DisabilityChampion hashtag#NurseLife hashtag#Resilience hashtag#InclusionMatters

Cheers!

Donna

Myasthenia Gravis didn't stop this determined nurse!

Stacy shared her journey in "MG Stories".

"Medical research has taught me that I’m both inquisitive and an advocate. I enjoy working with patients who feel like the medical system has historically been working against them. It’s my goal to help them understand that everyone is not out injure patients or make a name for themselves. The ultimate goal is to help make the world a better place than we found it. It’s okay to donate an organ or participate in a clinical trial. And without people being brave enough to try, there is truly no hope for helping others who seek help on their own journey down our path."

"Because I was never discouraged by my mom or told what I couldn’t do or be, it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t survive the first time the MG bell rang. I’ve learned to live my life in appreciation of those who helped me and those who did not survive. I do things that make me feel better – like exercising, staying hydrated, keeping my mind active, and protecting myself with masks and yearly vaccinations. I learned that nutrition matters, stopping the cycle of “Feeling tired --> drinking a soda/eating candy --> falling asleep --> feeling tired --> repeat.” I figured out which foods flare my myasthenia and what makes me feel better. I decided that I was important. I’ve lost a lot of weight and am no longer an insulin-dependent diabetic or requiring constant oxygen. It’s definitely taking me time to get used to the changes, but this is a good change." 

"I always say, “I don’t get frustrated – I get determined.” MG is sneaky and allows you fall into the trap of depression and hopelessness. Having a rare disease is not a ticket to wallow – it’s the opportunity to overcome. I was told I would never live a month, graduate high school, graduate college, walk without braces or use a wheelchair, drive a car, travel. I try to find a way around the limitations I know in order to live my best life. While there are some limitations MG and you don’t want to hurt yourself, YOU are your own best advocate and voice of how you feel." 

Read more about Stacy's journey at A Life with Myasthenia Gravis – A Nurse’s Perspective

Cheers!

Donna

Docs With Disabilities Initiative: An extensive resource for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals with disabilities!

 

This initiative is a collection of resources for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals with disabilities. 

"The Docs with Disabilities Initiative (DWDI) values diversity in all its forms and is committed to supporting the unique identities our team and community bring. To develop the next generation of medical and health science professionals, we believe in embracing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while ensuring intentional representation across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, disability status, and more."

Resources include:

Research

Publications

Podcasts

Videos

Technical Standards 

(AIM) Access in Medicine

(AIN) Access in Nursing

Research Lab

And more....

* Join their email list to receive news and updates.

https://www.docswithdisabilities.org

#DocsWithDisabilities

Cheers!

Donna

Army veteran, Reggie Santiago, receives Daisy Award for being extraordinary nursing student

 

ECU News Services reported this story about Reggie Santiago.

"His second four-year enlistment ended with pride, but the transition back to civilian life wasn’t easy. Over the course of the next two years he held 11 jobs, including sales positions which he says he did well at, but life was starting to get the upper hand.

“I got into a major depression. My mom passed away and things weren’t going right. I wasn’t happy with my career, and it took my girlfriend at the time to kick me out. She said, ‘Look, you need to get your life together,’ Santiago remembered.

A chance meeting with a former Army friend got him back on track — a job training Special Operations medics awaited if he completed paramedic training, which instilled in Santiago the confidence to trust his academic abilities while relying on his military medical training.

“I was able to get into the vocational rehab program through the VA, which is how I wound up getting into nursing. I got my ADN through a paramedic to RN bridge course,” Santiago said.

And who doesn’t love a happy ending?"

Read more at:

https://news.ecu.edu/2024/05/15/army-veteran-honored-as-extraordinary-nursing-student/

Cheers!

Donna

A child with nephrotic syndrome grows up to become a nurse

 

Rarediseaseday.org reported this story. Grace is 23 years old and a registered nurse.

"I was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome when I was 9, and have been in and out of remission ever since. This illness causes me to rapidly gain water weight to the point it stretches out my skin and I can barely walk. To treat it, I have been put on high doses of steroids, immunosuppressants, statins and several types of chemotherapy. These medications caused severe weight gain, frequent illnesses from low immunity, hair loss, acne, and more. When I was 15, I wrote a patient guide for newly diagnosed Nephrotic syndrome patients that was published by an international nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for the disease. 

I also did a research project when I was 17. I surveyed patients from different countries on their side effects of the medications they had to take, and the effects of those side effects on their emotional health then presented the results at a symposium. 

I decided to become a nurse because I know what it’s like to be in the hospital for weeks at a time and suffer from the side effects of the many medications Nephrotic syndrome patients must take. Side effects are a whole other disease itself." 

From Nephrotic to Nurse - Rare Disease Day 2025

Cheers!

Donna