There are patients who say they wouldn’t have made it through their cancer treatment without her.
She keeps toys in her office for children of patients getting treatments.
She will help a patient any time on any day of the week.
Now Krista Aliffi of Guyton is the newest McAuley Award winner at St. Joseph’s/Candler. She is the breast cancer navigator at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler.
Said one of the co-workers who nominated her: “I have heard more times than I can count; patients tell me they honestly did not know what they would have done or how they would have made it through their illness without Krista.”
Paul P. Hinchey, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler, honored Aliffi with the award in a surprise announcement Friday.
The McAuley Award is presented annually to the one St. Joseph’s/Candler co-worker who best exemplifies the mission and values of the health system. The award is named in honor of Catherine McAuley, who founded The Sisters of Mercy in the hopes of bringing education, health care, social justice and spiritual guidance to those in need.
As a registered nurse and oncology patient navigator, Aliffi’s primary job is to guide breast cancer survivors from diagnosis through the end of treatment. This includes coordinating appointments, answering questions and being a compassionate source of assistance.
Nurse navigators are the future of cancer treatment and a key part of the Lewis Cancer Pavilion’s participation in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Centers Program.
More from those who nominated her:
“She is compassionate with patients and their caregivers and most responsive to their pain, suffering, anxiety and depression.”
“I am honored to say Krista is not only my co-worker, she is my friend!”
“Krista takes calls at all hours of the day…seven days a week from patients (and their family members) with questions, concerns, they forgot something they were told at their doctor appointment that day, the list goes on and on.”
This year, 58 St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers were nominated by their peers to receive the distinguished honor. Nominations are based upon an individual’s ability to illuminate the health system values of compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability and teamwork.
As the 2011 Catherine McAuley Award winner, Aliffi’s name will appear on the bronze McAuley plaque displayed in the lobbies of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital. She will receive a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year free parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a gift certificate for massages at the Center for WellBeing, a St. Joseph’s/Candler watch and the McAuley pin.
