It was an ill grandmother and the movie “Patch Adams” that Jackie Anorga believes ultimately led her to Memorial Hospital West and its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

Anorga’s grandmother was frequently hospitalized during her childhood, and the then teenager would spend nights in the elderly woman’s room. Despite her grandmother’s confusion during these times, what stuck with the future clinical manager was the empathy and compassion nurses displayed when caring for their patient.

“I knew I wanted to help others through a career in healthcare, but it became clear then that nursing would be my path,” said Anorga.

Robin Williams film portrayal of a physician that treated patients with humanity inspired Anorga to work on the frontlines of oncology, where she is involved in all aspects of patient and staff care. She relishes being a resource for cancer patients from diagnosis to transplant and a servant leader supporting her team during their most difficult days.