Oncology Nurse Recognized as Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor

Florida Cancer Specialists Nurse Receives Inaugural MBC Heroes™ Award from CURE Media Group.

The inaugural Metastatic Breast Cancer Heroes™ winners were announced by CURE Media Group, recognizing individuals making a difference in the lives of those affected by metastatic breast cancer. Among the three winners is Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute oncology nurse Brandi Riber, RN, based in Fort Myers.

Brandi was first diagnosed with breast cancer on January 4, 2010, for which she received treatment and was then considered cancer-free. Four years later, she was again diagnosed with breast cancer, only this time discovered that it was metastatic. With her loved ones by her side, Brandi again found the strength and courage to continue her fight.

Brandi’s cancer journey has greatly influenced her work at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute as an oncology nurse. Having been in their shoes, Brandi cares for her patients with compassion and empathy, seeing that every need is met, and every question answered. “My patients are my greatest inspiration. Some are fighting fights much more difficult than my own. They are constant reminders to never give up hope, stay positive, and give every day your best,” said Brandi.

“This recognition and Brandi’s commitment to our patients in addition to her own personal cancer journey epitomize the very heart and soul of our organization,” stated Chief Executive Officer Nathan H. Walcker.

Vice President of Nursing & Research Vicki Caraway remarked, “Brandi embodies the mission and values of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute through her compassionate, patient-centered care. She is admired and highly regarded by both her patients and fellow team members, a true reflection of her passion coming to light. We are honored to have Brandi in our Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute family,” remarked Vicki Caraway, Vice President Clinical Services.

Brandi is also the recipient of the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Excellence in Patient Care Award, where she was recognized across the organization’s more-than 100 practices for going above and beyond for her patients.

Along with her fellow-winners of the inaugural Metastatic Breast Cancer Heroes™, Brandi was honored in a virtual ceremony on December 6, 2021.

Update: Sadly, on December 27, 2021, Brandi lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her legacy, fighting to find a cure for metastatic breast cancer through for clinical research, which extended her own life considerably, will live on through her family, friends, and all who knew her.

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute: (FLCancer.com)

Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists participation.* Trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

*Prior to approval