Cooley Dickinson Nurse Honored by Cancer-awareness Program

BOSTON — On May 26, Madelyn Breen, an oncology registered nurse at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, was among the honorees at “the one hundred” — 100 individuals, groups, and organizations from across the country and around the globe who are changing the fight against cancer and inspiring others to take action. Created and supported by the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in 2008, the one hundred celebrates hope in the cancer community.

Breen officially retired in 2011, but her dedication to caring for people living with cancer brings her back to Cooley Dickinson three days a week as an oncology registered nurse. In a career that spans 45 years — all at CDH — Breen has set an example of providing exceptional nursing care, leading to her selection as one of the 100 honorees who are changing the fight against cancer and inspiring others to take action. Read more about the award at www.theonehundred.org/honorees/madelyn-breen-rn-bsn-ocn.

In addition, Breen received the Mass. Nursing Assoc. Clinical Excellence Award in 1991 and the American Cancer Society’s Volunteers’ Community Partner’s Award in 2012 for her volunteer leadership. In addition, Breen has served in many leadership positions for the Relay for Life.

Nearly 1,000 nominations were submitted for consideration for the one hundred in 2015 from sources around the world. As in previous years, the list includes remarkable and diverse individuals and organizations from all walks of life.

“At the Mass General Cancer Center, we pair the most advanced science with the most compassionate care. As a result of this comprehensive approach, we are recognized around the globe as a leader in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. Daniel Haber, director of the Cancer Center.

“Each year, the one hundred honors those who support our mission to help people living with cancer, in inspiring and often revolutionary ways,” he continued. “Our honorees are truly amazing. They are doctors and nurses selflessly caring for patients and their families, advocates raising awareness for the cancer cause, researchers working tirelessly in their laboratories to make important discoveries, and philanthropists contributing generously to make a cure possible.”

A signature event, the one hundred is also a key fund-raiser for the Mass General Cancer Center. A dinner honoring recipients was held at the Westin Copley Place in Boston on May 26. Funds raised support the Cancer Center’s research into targeted therapies and early-detection technologies, as well as innovative supportive-care programs.

The full list of the one hundred recipients for 2015, along with their photos and stories, can be found at www.theonehundred.org/honorees.