Note: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
By MICHELLE VISCO
WAKEFIELD — Colleen Nixon, a Wakefield resident and retired pediatric oncology nurse from Boston Children’s Hospital, reflects back on one of her first patients from 1987, Michael, an 18-month-old with an aggressive form of leukemia, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Nixon stated that his family, especially his mother Joan, taught her so much about the strength, resilience and reality of a family’s cancer journey. Despite receiving a stem cell transplant, Michael did not survive and never met his sister Marybeth.
After Nixon married her husband Steve in 1985, she began working in a step-down ICU at Mass General Hospital where she was drawn to pediatric oncology. In 1987 Nixon joined Boston Children’s Hospital on the hematology/oncology/stem cell transplant unit where she spent 37 1/2 years—first at bedside, then educating families and staff. She understands how much is asked of families caring for sick children at home. That is why riding and volunteering to support the Pan-Mass Challenge, particularly, Team Pedals for Pediatrics matters. It helps ease that burden by funding vital resources for patients and families.
The best part of being an oncology nurse for Nixon was working with the patients and families. The bond that forms during the challenges of cancer treatment is truly special. Pediatric oncology is a deeply rewarding field that fosters both personal and professional growth, while demanding resilience, empathy, and strong clinical skills. The realities of caring for patients with cancer is emotionally intense and complex. While the five-year survival rate for children with cancer is now around 85 percent, which is a remarkable improvement, that statistic doesn’t capture the full reality of the journey. The treatments themselves are long, grueling, and can take a significant physical, psychological, and emotional toll on both the child and their family. Families are often asked to make difficult decisions, manage care at home, and remain strong for their child, all while navigating their own fears and uncertainties. Supporting them through this process requires not only clinical skill, but deep empathy, patience, and presence.
Over the years Nixon has kept in touch with Michael’s family. In early 2024 his mother, Joan, shared that Michael’s sister, Marybeth, and her husband, Greg, would be riding in the PMC. Nixon invited them to join the Pedals for Pediatrics Team and to her delight they said yes! That August, Nixon rode part of the 2024 PMC route alongside Marybeth and Greg, and reunited with Michael’s parents, Tony and Joan. Just two days after the ride Nixon retired from Boston Children’s Hospital. She commented “I love that I started my career with this remarkable family and ended it with them—a full circle moment that reminded me just how special it is to be a pediatric oncology nurse.”
Michael’s mother, Joan said “the loss of Michael has had a lasting effect on our family. I still cannot think of Michael without an overall feeling of sadness. He is remembered by all of us frequently, especially on his birthday and death day. We have all tried to honor his memory in different ways. Each of my children have given his name as a middle name to one of their children and my younger son has Michael’s initials tattooed on his upper arm. We are proud of our daughter, Marybeth for running the NYC Marathon in honor of his 30th birthday several years ago to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. She and her husband, Greg also rode in the PMC last year. Although I have always supported the PMC financially, this was my first-year volunteering at a water stop for it. It was a rewarding experience that I look forward to be part of again next year.”
For someone who is just starting their career as an Oncology Nurse, Nixon has some advice. She said “be patient with yourself. Oncology nursing is complex and emotionally intense—there’s a lot to learn, and that growth takes time.” She also advises listening closely to patients and their families because their stories will teach you more than any textbook or lecture ever could. She said these relationships are at the heart of your work and will shape you in ways you cannot anticipate. Also, it is important to take care of yourself as this field can be demanding, so it’s essential to find balance. Make time for the things you love outside of work whether its exercise, time with friends, art, or simply rest. Sustaining your own well-being helps you stay present and compassionate for those in your care.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the community can help by participating in or supporting the Wakefield-Lynnfield 2025 PMC Kid’s Ride (https://kids.pmc.org/wakefield-lynnfield) on Sunday, September 14 from 8:30am to 11:30am for children ages 2-12 years old. Another way to help is to donate blood or platelets. Patients undergoing cancer therapy, due to the side effects of chemotherapy, need blood and platelet transfusions on a regular basis. A good place to donate is Boston Children’s Hospital (https://www.childrenshospital.org/ways-help/donate-blood). It directly supports pediatric patients undergoing various treatments like surgeries, transplants, and cancer therapy. Another way to show support is by wearing gold, the color for childhood cancer awareness or light up buildings and landmarks in gold. Lastly community members can donate to research on fundraising efforts such as Team Pedals for Pediatrics https://profile.pmc.org/TP0060/ME0144 or Mass General Hospital at https://www.massgeneral.org/children/cancer.