Unsung Heroes: Extraordinary Healer Award Spotlights Nursing Excellence

CRANBURY, N.J. – May 05, 2026 – CURE Media Group and Oncology Nursing News® have announced the three finalists for the 2026 Extraordinary Healer® Award, an honor that celebrates the profound impact of oncology nurses on the lives of patients with cancer. The award presentation, a centerpiece of the Oncology Nursing Society’s Annual Congress, will take place on May 13, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.

This year’s ceremony will feature a keynote address from Teddi Mellencamp, a television personality and passionate melanoma awareness advocate whose personal cancer journey brings a powerful patient perspective to the event. The award recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, professional integrity, and a deep, compassionate commitment to patient-centered care.

“Oncology nurses play a vital role in advancing cancer care, working in close collaboration with physicians to guide patients through every stage of treatment,” said Mike Hennessy Jr., chairman and CEO of MJH Life Sciences®, the parent company of CURE Media Group and Oncology Nursing News. “They educate patients, manage complex therapies and identify changes in real time, ensuring care plans are carried out with precision and compassion. Their work strengthens how care is delivered every day and helps patients move through treatment with greater confidence and support.”

Spotlighting Compassion: The 2026 Finalists

Selected from a competitive field of nominations submitted by patients, caregivers, and colleagues, the three finalists represent the pinnacle of dedication in oncology nursing. Their careers are defined by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering focus on the human side of cancer care.

Tammy Zinn, MSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, is the director of clinical support services and the cancer support community at Lee Health Cancer Institute in Fort Myers, Florida. With over 28 years of experience, Zinn leads a multidisciplinary team that provides a seamless support system for patients and their families. Her work ensures coordinated access to everything from initial screening and diagnosis to treatment and vital supportive services. A passionate advocate for patient empowerment, Zinn champions holistic care that addresses both the medical and emotional toll of cancer, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration that guarantees comprehensive, personalized support.

Susan Yaguda, MSN, RN, serves as the nurse manager for Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute’s Department of Supportive Oncology. Yaguda’s unique background, which includes a Bachelor of Music, informs her creative approach to patient support. Since joining the institute in 2013, she has built a robust integrative oncology program that uses evidence-based interventions to help patients, caregivers, and clinical teams. Her innovative initiatives include shared medical appointments, a therapeutic music program called “Kazoo Blues” for patients with lung cancer, and a project to elevate the role of supportive care across the cancer center. Recognized as a Planetree International Scholar and a DAISY Nurse Leader, Yaguda remains a force in research and mentorship, consistently advocating for person-centered oncology care.

Jill Winther, BSN, RN, OCN, NPD-BC, brings 35 years of distinguished experience in oncology care, leadership, and staff development to her work. An alumna of Bellin College of Nursing, her career has spanned prestigious institutions like Stanford and Mayo Clinic, as well as outpatient settings across the country. Winther is known for her holistic approach to patient care and her staunch advocacy for patients, families, and her clinical teams. She has been instrumental in leading accreditation initiatives, quality improvement programs, and the implementation of ONS and ASCO guidelines. As a past president of the Northeastern Wisconsin Oncology Nursing Society, she continues to champion professional development and mentorship, shaping the next generation of oncology nurses.

More Than an Award: Elevating a Critical Profession

The Extraordinary Healer® Award, now in its 20th year, has become a cornerstone for recognizing excellence in a field facing immense pressure. Held during the ONS Annual Congress—the largest gathering of oncology nursing professionals in the world—the award provides a national platform to celebrate those who are often the unsung heroes of a patient's cancer journey. By sharing the stories of nominees, the award not only boosts morale but also helps attract new talent to a specialty in critical need.

The timing for such recognition has never been more crucial. The field of oncology nursing is grappling with significant challenges, including a widespread nursing shortage, high rates of burnout, and an aging workforce. With the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. projected to exceed 20 million by 2026, the demand for skilled, compassionate oncology nurses is intensifying. These professionals manage increasingly complex treatments, navigate intricate healthcare systems for their patients, and provide the essential emotional and psychological support that defines patient-centered care. Awards like this one highlight best practices and remind the healthcare industry of the indispensable value of the nursing profession.

A United Front for Advocacy and Support

The impact of the Extraordinary Healer® Award is amplified by a powerful alliance of media, celebrity advocacy, and corporate partnership. Keynote speaker Teddi Mellencamp’s involvement brings a deeply personal and resonant voice to the event. Having publicly documented her own battle with Stage IV melanoma, Mellencamp uses her platform to advocate for early detection and self-advocacy, themes that align perfectly with the mission of oncology nurses. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the patient-provider partnership at the heart of effective cancer care.

This year’s event is supported by Johnson & Johnson, a company with a long history of championing the nursing profession. This sponsorship extends beyond a single event, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to global health equity and its support for healthcare professionals through initiatives like the J&J CareCommunity. For over a century, the company has invested in programs that empower nurses and community health workers, recognizing them as the backbone of patient care. This collaboration between CURE Media Group, Oncology Nursing News, a prominent patient advocate, and a committed corporate partner creates a powerful ecosystem of support, shining a much-deserved spotlight on the extraordinary healers who dedicate their lives to caring for others.