Wilmot Cancer Center Social Worker Honored by Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
Sandra Sabatka, LMWS, a social worker at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center, is the recipient of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s (BCCR) 2011 Laurie Pask Heart & Hands Award. Sabatka received the award at the BCCR’s 10th annual Artrageous Affair fundraiser, held Saturday, October 1, at the Rochester Plaza hotel.
Sabatka, who has worked at the University of Rochester Medical Center for 10 years and as an advocate for breast cancer patients at the Wilmot Cancer Center for the past three, was recognized for her dedication to helping people from all walks of life find appropriate resources to help them deal with their cancer treatments and the many other facets of life that it may impact.
“My patients are my inspiration,” Sabatka said. “I feel so privileged to be a small part of a patient’s journey, and truly have learned so much more from them than I could ever give back. I have learned courage, strength, fortitude, grace and what life is really about.”
The Heart & Hands Award is named in honor of Laurie Pask, an early member of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s“Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer” support group. A breast cancer patient and a registered nurse, Laurie was a highly effective breast cancer advocate, and carried a message of hope to fellow patients prior to succumbing to the disease in 2008. The Heart & Hands Award is presented each year to a care provider whose work best exemplifies the balance of kindness, compassion, respect and science that Laurie demonstrated while providing care to her own patients.
“We’re extremely proud of Sandy, and grateful to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for recognizing the outstanding care and service she provides to patients each and every day,” said Kristin Skinner, M.D., director of the Multi-Disciplinary Breast Cancer Program at the Wilmot Cancer Center. “Sandy’s dedication and compassionate approach exemplify our goal of delivering the highest levels of care and support to our patients and highlights our commitment to providing a patient and family-centered approach to all who entrust us with their care.”