LLS Recognizes Eric Cohen, of Life with Cancer, as 2013 Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year Washington, D.C. - The National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is pleased to name Fairfax resident Eric Cohen, RN, BSN, OCN, as the 2013 Hematology/Oncology Nurse of the Year. Eric is an Oncology Nurse and Program Manager for Patient and Family Education at Inova's Life with Cancer Center in Fairfax, VA. LLS created this award nine years ago from a desire to acknowledge nurses making a difference in the treatment and care for patients with blood cancers. Eric was nominated for the award by a member of one of his support groups, Betty Hill. "Eric always has time to listen. I wouldn't be the same without the group he teaches, and the group wouldn't be the same without him", says Hill. "He is a seasoned professional who's able to communicate directly, yet empathically, creating just the right tone amongst the group so that I feel safe to speak up." Eric's approach as an oncology nurse is to create a space for patients and family members to feel safe and secure; a place they are relaxed. His commitment to this goal and personal motto to "be wherever the patient is," has taught him to let go of his own agenda and let the patient and family members set their own. He also applies this same attitude every day at Life with Cancer as he partners with oncology social workers to provide more than 50 different programs each month. Eric is most deserving of the prestigious Nurse of the Year title and will officially accept his award at a celebratory luncheon at 11:00 a.m. on February 20 at Life with Cancer. In addition, he will receive a $500 scholarship towards a continuing education program of his choosing, a spa package, and honored guest recognition at the 2013 Leukemia Ball on March 23 and Light The Night walk events in October. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's National Capital Area Chapter also recognizes first runner-up Veronica Stack of Washington Hospital Center and honorable mentions Eun Sledz of Washington Hospital Center, Evelyn Clewis of Inova Alexandria Hospital, and Edward Pleasants of Washington Oncology/Hematology Center. To nominate a nurse for 2014 honors or for more information, please contact Hunter Robinson at Hunter.Robinson@lls.org or 703.399.2959.