Clinical Nurse Navigator, Hematology/Oncology Infusion Center,
NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was inspired by the Midwife that delivered my brother when I was five years old. I knew then I would be a nurse.
What are some of the greatest joys of your challenging work in Hematology/Oncology?
Some of my greatest joys are assisting patients with their personal barriers and helping them navigate through the disparities in our health care system to obtain the best care they are entitled to. Helping patients complete their treatment regimen and return to a new norm while experiencing the optimum quality of life gives me personal satisfaction.
Why do you think a program like Lipstick Angels is important for cancer patients and their caregivers?
The Lipstick Angels program is important to cancer patients and their caregivers because it revitalizes their spirit, renews their sense of hope, and diminishes their sense of helplessness. Cancer patients have a human response to physical visible changes due to their response and the side effects of chemotherapy. They experience hair loss, changes in skin texture and skin discoloration and this interferes with self-esteem and self-image. Patients feel better when they look better.
"The benefits/improvements patients experience after being pampered by the Lipstick Angels are amazing! After having a makeover they feel empowered, and they regain their self-esteem and their sense of self."
What benefits/improvements have you seen in the overall patient experience since Lipstick Angels started bringing beauty support services to NYP?
The benefits/improvements patients experience after being pampered by the Lipstick Angels are amazing! After having a makeover they feel empowered, and they regain their self-esteem and their sense of self.
It's clear to see that you love and appreciate beauty and fashion, Marcia. Will you tell us a little bit about your personal style and favorite beauty rituals?
My sense of fashion started with my mother at a very early age. She would always have me dressed for the occasion! I have an innate creative sense that has evolved into my own personal style. I love playing with colors and accessories. I once read “a true fashionista plans her outfit around her accessories” and I absolutely agree! I am a bargain hunter and I take my job seriously (smile). In my next life I would love to be a personal shopper. One of my favorite rituals is mixing lipstick colors to get a particular shade.
I was inspired by the Midwife that delivered my brother when I was five years old. I knew then I would be a nurse.
What are some of the greatest joys of your challenging work in Hematology/Oncology?
Some of my greatest joys are assisting patients with their personal barriers and helping them navigate through the disparities in our health care system to obtain the best care they are entitled to. Helping patients complete their treatment regimen and return to a new norm while experiencing the optimum quality of life gives me personal satisfaction.
Why do you think a program like Lipstick Angels is important for cancer patients and their caregivers?
The Lipstick Angels program is important to cancer patients and their caregivers because it revitalizes their spirit, renews their sense of hope, and diminishes their sense of helplessness. Cancer patients have a human response to physical visible changes due to their response and the side effects of chemotherapy. They experience hair loss, changes in skin texture and skin discoloration and this interferes with self-esteem and self-image. Patients feel better when they look better.
"The benefits/improvements patients experience after being pampered by the Lipstick Angels are amazing! After having a makeover they feel empowered, and they regain their self-esteem and their sense of self."
What benefits/improvements have you seen in the overall patient experience since Lipstick Angels started bringing beauty support services to NYP?
The benefits/improvements patients experience after being pampered by the Lipstick Angels are amazing! After having a makeover they feel empowered, and they regain their self-esteem and their sense of self.
It's clear to see that you love and appreciate beauty and fashion, Marcia. Will you tell us a little bit about your personal style and favorite beauty rituals?
My sense of fashion started with my mother at a very early age. She would always have me dressed for the occasion! I have an innate creative sense that has evolved into my own personal style. I love playing with colors and accessories. I once read “a true fashionista plans her outfit around her accessories” and I absolutely agree! I am a bargain hunter and I take my job seriously (smile). In my next life I would love to be a personal shopper. One of my favorite rituals is mixing lipstick colors to get a particular shade.
