Roselle resident named Nurse of the Year
Leukemia Research Foundation Selects 2012 Nurses of the Year
Karina Danner-Koptik, RN, MSN, APN from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has been selected as one of two, 2012 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).
The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize hematology-oncology nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day.
“Hematology/Oncology nurses care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. These nurses are true heroes, said Linda Kabot, the Leukemia Research Foundation's Director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator.
“The LRF recognizes their hard work and dedication each year with the Nurse of the Year Award. These extraordinary nurses are devoted to providing the highest standard of care to the patients and families they work with. Often, that care extends beyond their physical health, to include emotional support and long term follow-up treatment,” Kabot said.
Nominations from hospitals throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana are submitted annually by patients and families touched by blood cancers, as well colleagues and coworkers. The Leukemia Research Foundation recognizes the important contributions of hematology-oncology nurses. For patients and families facing these life-threatening diseases, these nurses play a vital role in ensuring their medical care and physical comfort, as well as meeting their needs for information and emotional support.
Karina Danner-Koptik, a resident of Roselle, Ill. (formerly Mount Prospect/Hersey H.S. grad), has been a nursing professional for more than 20 years. She is the Advanced Practice Nurse for the STAR (Survivor's Taking Action & Responsibility) Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant Survivor Program at Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago.
She was nominated by Dr. Morris Kletzel who wrote:
“Karina is one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever worked with. She is not only an advocate for her patients; she does a tremendous job following their lead. She is truly committed to patients with disabilities and has worked very hard to make their lives better. Patients love dealing with her!”
Ms. Danner-Koptik performs annual comprehensive physical and psychosocial evaluations for all Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant survivors, performing comprehensive survivorship screening, coordinating their multi-disciplinary care, and educating them at five years from their diagnosis or two years post transplant. She is also a leader in multiple local and national research endeavors, and was recently awarded grant funding for her research study, Vocational Screening in STAR Childhood Cancer and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors.
Ms. Danner-Koptik earned both her BSN and MSN from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse and a member of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses, and the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplant. She enjoys being with her family & friends, singing in her church choir, gardening, spinning.
The winners receive a $500 grant for their unit as well as a $500 grant for themselves and a party in their unit. The award was presented at the LRF's 66th Annual Medical Awards Luncheon, October 14.
For more information on the Leukemia Research Foundation's Nurse of the Year program contact Linda Kabot, at 847-424-0600 or Linda@LRFmail.org.
About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF)
The Leukemia Research Foundation, headquartered in Wilmette, Ill., is dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation's mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. For more than 65 years, thousands of volunteers and 24 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $54 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring, eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world, provide patient financial assistance, and offer educational and emotional support for patients and their families.
Leukemia Research Foundation information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or by calling 847-424-0600.
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