Newswise — Chicago (Oct. 14, 2016): The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) has awarded this year’s Dr. Patricia Greene Leadership Award to multiple members who have demonstrated excellence in service and leadership of APHON this past year. Recipients include Julia M. Challinor, RN PhD; Courtney Sullivan, MSN NP RN CPHON®; Kristin Belderson, DNP MS RN CPON®; Linda Abramovitz, RN MSN; Richard J. Ramos, PNP MS CNS RN; Janie Avila, BSN RN CPON®; Paola Viveros Lamas, RN; and Lorena Weber, RN. This award was presented to those present at the 40th Annual APHON Conference and Exhibit, held September 29 – October 1 in Indianapolis, IN.

This year the Dr. Patricia Greene Leadership award was given to the eight people who actively contributed to expanding the APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Program internationally; piloting the first provider course in 2016 in Santiago, Chile. APHON is extremely grateful for the time, effort and contributions from everyone involved.

APHON Past President Jami Gattuso, MSN RN CPON® worked closely with the group on their efforts and shared, “APHON is delighted to honor the work of this group of members who have shown extreme dedication in transforming a brainstorming idea into reality. They are making it possible for nurses in Spanish speaking countries to provide the best possible care to children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and their families by providing a culturally adapted formal education program for nurses who provide chemotherapy and biotherapy. We thank them for their hard work and commitment and look forward to what they can do in the coming year!”

APHON is the professional organization for pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and other pediatric hematology/oncology healthcare professionals. Its members are dedicated to promoting optimal nursing care for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and blood disorders, and their families. APHON provides the leadership and expertise to pediatric hematology/oncology nurses by defining and promoting the highest standards of practice and care to the pediatric, adolescent and young adult communities.