What Are Oncology Nurses Talking about at ONS?

Attendees at the ONS Congress in San Antonio are talking about two things: the swine flu, which has infected sixteen people here in Texas, and keynote speaker Geralyn Lucas. Lucas is the author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, which describes her experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27. In her inspiring lecture, Lucas had the audience laughing and crying as she told anecdotes about her heroes, oncology nurses. Although she was scheduled to spend two hours signing her book afterwards, she was still signing and taking photos with attendees at the three hour mark. With her mother at her side, Lucas kept smiling and kept thanking oncology nurses for all we do.

Also during opening ceremonies, several ONS members were recognized for their contributions to oncology nursing and service to ONS. Linda Sarna received the Distinguished Researcher Award, Marcia Grant received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rose Virani received the Pearl Moore Making a Difference Award. Kevin Sowers was recognized by the ONS Foundation as the 2009 Friend of the Foundation.

Oncology nurses are reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. The exhibit hall is busy and the educational sessions are well attended. Nurses are enjoying the Tex Mex cuisine and eating along the Riverwalk despite the heat and humidity.

Geralyn Lucas

(Photo credit: Lisa Schulmeister)