The Kay O'Brien Memorial Award

Catherine (Kay) O'Brien RN, MSN, AOCN was an active member of the Long Island Queens Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.  Kay served the Chapter in many ways, for many years.  She held positions of Program Chair, President-Elect and President; worked on many committees and wrote articles for the chapter newsletter.

Kay was known on the national level for her work in Oncology Nursing.  Her activities with ONS included committee work and lecturing at Congress on many topics, including Long Term Treatment Effects and Oncologic Emergencies.

Kay served on the Board of Directors, Eastern Division, of the American Cancer Society for many year.  Her commitment to the patient with cancer was evident as she championed a number of initiatives and chaired the Quality of Life Committee.  On the local lever Kay was President of the Queens Council of ACS and had a continuing commitment as Chair of the Patient Services Committee.  Kay also worked with NY State Pain Initiative, an organization that works to remove the barriers that impede pain relief through education, advocacy, and institutional improvement.

Kay eloquently told the story of her nursing journey, her experience as a wife and mother and as a cancer patient and survivor in "Building a Legacy: Voices of Oncology Nurses."

Kay's achievements created a powerful legacy that our chapter wishes to keep alive by honoring her work and spirit through an annual award presented in her name.  The Kay O'Brien Memorial Award will be presented each March, around Kay's birthday, at a chapter meeting

2025 Recipients
Experienced Oncology Nurse: Antoinette Trice, MSN, RN-BC

Early Career Oncology Nurse:  Kelli Anne Aliberti, RN BSN, OCN

Past Recipients

Valerie Burger MA MS RN OCN CPN (2024 Experienced Oncology Nurse)

Susanne Braun BSN RN-BC OCN (2024 Experienced Oncology Nurse)

Ana Hernandez BSN RN OCN BMTCN (2024 Early Career Oncology Nurse)

Eileen Dwyer RN BSN OCN (2023 Experienced Oncology Nurse)

Amanda Miller RN BSN (2023 Early Career Oncology Nurse)

Colleen O'Brien RN, CBCN (2022)
All LI/Queens Chapter Courageous COVID Nurse Members (2021)
Ellen Dermody (2020)
Christine Guarnieri MSN, RN-BC, OCN (2019)
*Founding Members* (2018): Laura Benson RN, MSN, ANP; Mary Burns RN, BSN, OCN; Monica Diamond-Caravella, DNP, MS, RN. AE-C; Margaret Cawley RN, MSN, ANP; Eileen Fitzgerald RN, MSN, OCN, BMTCN; Maureen Larkin RN, MSN, FNPC; Eileen Brennan-O'Neil RN, BA, OCN; Judy Parlini RN, BSN; Linda Smith RN, BS, OCN; Alice Reichenberger RN, BS
Linda Bardekoff RN, HNC (2017)
Gail Heilman RN, BSN, OCN (2016)
Sharon Topper RN, BSN, OCN (2016)
Candace Schiffer RN, ANP-C, AOCNP (2015)
Mary Jane (Janie) Regan RN, BSN, OCN (2014)
Anne Byrne RN, BSN, OCN (2013)
Claire Meci RN, BSN, OCN (2012)
Joann T Stampfli RN, OCN (2011)
Margaret McCormick RN, BSN, OCN (2010)
Laura Benson RN, MS, AOCN  *Founding Member* (2009)
Catherine Hydzik RN, MS, AOCN (2008)
Eileen Fitzgerald McGrath RN, MSN, OCN  *Founding Member* (2007)
Judy Parlini, RN BSN, OCN *Founding Member* (2006)
Gail Probst RN, ANP, OCN, AOCN (2005)