The Department of Radiation Oncology at The Mount Sinai Hospital is celebrating Irene Braccia, BSN, nurse manager, and Mariam Rahyab, LMSW, social worker, for their thoughtfulness and compassion. Their story was recounted by Marysabel Vargas Guzman, administrative coordinator for the department:
Irene Braccia, BSN, left, and Mariam Rahyab, LMSW
“The majority of our patients in Radiation Oncology are adults; pediatric cancer patients are not as common. For obvious reasons, these cases tend to take a toll on our team. Recently, a very ill pediatric patient was to undergo treatment on their birthday. Irene and Mariam coordinated to ensure a special birthday celebration. Mariam had found out that the patient liked Super Mario and Mickey Mouse, reached out to the team, and suggested the room be decorated accordingly. Mariam also designed a jumbo card with all of the patient’s favorite Super Mario characters for the treatment team to sign. Irene got the decorations, cake, and turned an exam room into a party hub. During the celebration, the patient kept asking for their favorite food, ‘doughnuts and chicken nuggets.’ Unfortunately, neither was on hand. Mariam excused herself, and a little while after came back with doughnuts and chicken nuggets. The patient’s face lit up with excitement. The patient’s mom was also happy and comforted in the midst of a heartbreaking situation. Irene and Mariam turned a very difficult moment into a memorable experience for this patient, and importantly, for the patient’s mom.”
Mariam and Irene are both inspired by their patients.
“I was so honored to watch the joy on the faces of this patient and their mom,” Mariam says. “Working in oncology, we experience our patients’ pain and trauma, but we also get to see all their hope and resilience. I try to go above and beyond in a patient’s care; as a social worker especially, I see the patient as a whole person in their environment. A patient’s story doesn’t stop when we say goodbye at the end of their appointment. I hope this story will provide some comfort to future families and patients who are feeling hesitant and worried about being valued and supported at Mount Sinai.” Irene says, “Oncology nursing is challenging, but I have met the most extraordinary people over the course of my career. This particular pediatric patient had a grim prognosis, and the entire Radiation Oncology staff wanted to ensure that both the child and his family would be cared for in a meaningful way. The patient’s smile was the best thank you ever! I cannot be more proud of the Radiation Oncology team for their professionalism and for their caring spirit.”