The Almanac: McMurray nurse honored for loyalty to breast cancer patients
May 05, 2010
By Terri T. Johnson
Peters Township resident Harriet Gudenburr recently won an award she admits she didn't know existed for her tireless efforts caring for oncology patients and for helping women diagnosed with breast cancer.
"When they first called, I never knew about the award and thought she was calling to get some recommendations," she said. "Then she said it was me who won, but I kept thinking (about who to recommend) and she said, 'Harriet, it's you' and I still couldn't understand it."
On April 21, Gudenburr received the 2010 Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's PNC Community Caring Award.
"It appears to be a prestigious award and it was one of the nicest functions I have ever attended. To see all of those people who give so much of themselves for Komen, it's amazing, it's an honor," Gudenburr said a day after the presentation.
Gudenburr graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and the Presbyterian University Hospital School of Nursing. Currently, she manages the Informed Decision Making program at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, part of the West Penn Allegheny Health System.
Her duties include various forms of cancer, but a specialty is women with breast cancer.
"We like to have them prepared before seeing the surgeon and to know all about the disease and to make a list of questions so when the surgeon is talking, they know what to ask," she said.
She's worked with cancer patients for a number of years, including as a home care nurse.
When the opportunity came along to help women in a more specific way, Gudenburr jumped at the chance.
"Anyone can look up 'breast cancer' on the Internet, but we think patients should receive information specific to their diagnosis in a supportive, comfortable environment," she said. "We try to give them a clearer understanding of what their individual journeys might look like and empower them to make the best decisions they can for themselves, knowing that we are here to support them along the way."
To read more, visit The Almanac website.
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