[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5164]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ONCOLOGY NURSES

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate the Columbus 
Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society, or CCONS, on a legacy of 
excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care. CCONS' 25th 
Annual Spring Conference, ``Kaleidoscope of Oncology Care,'' will be 
held on April 3, and in May, during Oncology Nursing Month, the society 
will celebrate its 30th anniversary. I would like to take a moment to 
reflect on the work and achievements of this valued organization and to 
especially recognize CCONS' president, Bertie Ford, for her leadership.
  Since 1984, CCONS has worked to lead the transformation of cancer 
care. Its members are leaders in their communities and represent the 
most effective cancer care advocates in their workplaces. These 
oncology nurses are vital supports of patient-centered interventions, 
leveraging clinical knowledge and technology every day to provide the 
highest quality cancer care to patients not only in Columbus but across 
Ohio.
  We are making progress in the fight against cancer. The 5-year 
survival rate for all cancers among adults is 68 percent--a marked 
improvement over the mid-1970s when it was 50 percent. But as cancer 
treatment becomes more complex, the health care system demands higher 
quality and more efficient care. As Congress works to increase patient 
access to quality health care, I praise the commitment of CCONS in 
fostering excellence in oncology nursing and in the care of cancer 
patients.
  My mother passed away in 2009 while in hospice care. I will never 
forget the nurses who took care of her in such a loving way when they 
didn't know her personally until those last few weeks. It made all the 
difference in the world to her and our family. For that, I always thank 
nurses and others who care for those in need.
  Congratulations to CCONS on its 30th anniversary and for the 
important work its members do in Ohio's communities every day.

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