Blessed to Have an Oncology Nurse in My Corner

From left: JORGE CALIL and JESSICA MACINTYRE, D.N.P., MBA, APRN, AOCNP

PHOTOS BY LOCKINVAR DENIS

In addition to being an all-around wonderful nurse practitioner for Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jessica MacIntyre, M.B.A., DNP, APRN, AOCNP, has done a wonderful job creating and expanding the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her tireless work has led to many improvements that have directly and positively affected my fellow patients with cancer and their caregivers’ treatment experience and lives.

Her leadership, drive and dedication to help the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/ University of Miami Health System become a world leader in the care of patients with cancer are unmatched. She and her team have even helped many other members of the Sylvester family (wonderful doctors, nurses and administrators) to improve the care they provide to their patients and their caregivers.

Jessica was a huge help to me and my family during my three bouts with cancer as well as my stem cell transplant in 2016. As a three-time stage 4 cancer survivor, as a proud original member of the PFAC she created and as a community advocate, I am forever thankful.

I cannot give a higher recommendation or nomination than I give to (my friend) Jessica. She not only helped me and my family, but also inspired me to volunteer, become a PFAC member, become a member of our grievance committee and become a community advocate for Sylvester and all our patients and families.

My wife, Kimmy, said: “Jessica helped me and my family through the toughest four years of our lives. Jorge had three cancer diagnoses or relapses in just four years. I can never repay her for the patience, caring and friendship she shared with us.”

I know just how important her work at Sylvester is for all patients and their families. In everything she does, from her work to create the PFAC, to her work with the annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge fundraiser and so many other events, she always has the best interests of her patients, their families and her colleagues in focus. She is a true blessing for Sylvester and for all patients and families, especially mine. My wife, Kimmy, my daughters, Hannah Faith and Emma Hope, and I are proud to nominate Jessica and blessed to call her our friend.

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