University of Texas at Arlington, School of Nursing Professor, Barbara Raudonis, PhD, RN was one of the 25 “INSPIRATIONAL SURVIVORS”, recognized and honored at the 2007 Joanie Hatcher Memorial Survivor Brunch.
“Nurse researchers seek to reduce the burden of disease and improve the quality of lives of those affected by disease” (a quote from Susan Bauer-Wu, RN, PhD). Dr. Raudonis' current research is in the area of health outcomes of bereaved family caregivers of hospice patients; hospital-based palliative care; effects of symptom combinations on quality end of life; and older adults' use of hospice services in Texas. The award acknowledges Dr. Raudonis and her work, which can serve to guide effective and compassionate patient care for end-of life breast cancer patients. Lynn Kutler nominated Dr. Raudonis for her inspiration to students as well as staff and patients. Pictures of awardees were displayed at North Park Mall during October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Joanie Hatcher, a businesswoman, interior decorator and champion marathon runner, died of breast cancer at age 49 in 1996, after battling the disease for four years. She was the first survivor chairwoman for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas in 1994 and established the Race Day Survivor Tent program that operates at Komen races across the nation. Her husband, Jim Hatcher, created the Jim and Joanie Hatcher Charitable Trust, to honor his wife's wish to help and encourage breast cancer survivors throughout the Dallas area.