Memorial Sloan Kettering Brooklyn Infusion Center

09/11/2025

“My survival was not a coincidence. It was a calling.”

Long before September 11, 2001, MSK clinical nurse Jocelyn Brooks had been shaped by her mother’s example. From a young age, her mother instilled in her a spirit of care and service to others. That foundation would carry Jocelyn through some of the darkest and most defining moments of her life.

On 9/11, while working as a vice president in finance, Jocelyn escaped the 40th floor of 1 World Trade Center. The smoke, chaos, and fear of that day left an indelible mark. In the years that followed, she felt called to return to the purpose her mother had nurtured in her. Jocelyn went back to school, earned her nursing degree, and began a career that she now knows was her true calling.

Today, Jocelyn is a clinical nurse at MSK, where she cares for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. She provides not only advanced medical care but also compassion and strength to her patients. "I care for them, hold their hands, listen to their stories, and offer support in what is often the most difficult time in their lives," Jocelyn says.

Jocelyn’s story is one of purpose, service, and healing. Every interaction with her patients carries forward the lessons of both her mother’s influence and her own journey.

“It’s impossible for me to separate my nursing journey from my experience on September 11, 2001. Every time I stand beside a patient, I am reminded of why I survived that day...I know now that my purpose is to serve, to heal, and to offer hope.”

Leave a 💙 for Jocelyn below.

09/10/2025

“We’re curing more patients so they live longer and better,” says MSK head and neck medical oncologist Dr. Alan Ho, “How our patients live after treatment is a very close second to curing them in our priorities."

MSK experts are pioneering innovative ways to treat throat cancer that aim to give people better outcomes while preserving their appearance and the functions of the throat. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4pbTdD7

09/08/2025

Last week, our Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) took a well-deserved break during CNS Week to recharge and reconnect—with a splash of creativity! 🎨

From crafting soothing DIY bath bombs to designing personalized bracelets, these group activities were more than just fun—they were a celebration of wellness, camaraderie, and the incredible spirit of our CNS team.

At MSK, we believe that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves. Thank you to our CNSs for bringing brilliance to both bedside and bracelet-making!

09/08/2025

Interested in helping spread joy, one wag at a time? 🐶 MSK's Caring Canines program is recruiting teams of handlers and dogs to visit with MSK patients, their loved ones, and MSK staff.⁣

Learn more at our upcoming Open House Info Session (handlers only):⁣
📅 Tuesday, September 16
🕕 6-7:30pm ET⁣
📍 417 East 66 Street, Room 151

To RSVP, email Jane at kopelmaj@mskcc.org.⁣

09/08/2025

You may have seen the "fibermaxxing" trend all over your social media feed. While boosting fiber intake can support gut health and lower cancer risk, it’s not always as simple as adding more.

MSK clinical dietitian Cara Anselmo breaks down the fibermaxxing trend, including how much dietary fiber you need to lower your cancer risk. Swipe ➡️ to read and to learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/47uOgPC

09/05/2025

In recognition of both Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) Week and Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight a few of our pediatric CNSs who have shared their favorite part of their job:

⭐ Jenna Kelly, a night shift pediatric CNS: "Working in pediatrics allows me to make a positive impact during some of the most vulnerable and formative moments in our patient's lives. Children are resilient, honest, and bring a sense of joy and curiosity to even difficult situations. I love being able to help bring out the "kid" in the kid again!"

⭐ Kathy Ackerman, pediatric CNS: "My favorite part of being a pediatric CNS is the patients. I love kids in general and our patients are so strong and so brave that they inspire me to be my best for them."

⭐ Carolyn Preisser, pediatric CNS: "My favorite part of my job is the ability to impact not just one patient, but an entire population of patients. I like that the projects I work on can impact the quality of care that every patient receives at MSK Kids. I also love getting to empower newer nurses to use their voice and get involved in projects that will positively impact our patients."

Give a 🙌 for these incredible CNSs.

09/05/2025

Anna and Matt Bonichi, who live in Chicago, knew something was wrong with their son Will when his demeanor started to change around 12 months old. Anna was told it was likely a virus, but after it persisted, Anna listened to her gut and pushed to get bloodwork, which showed abnormal hemoglobin levels.

After taking Will to the emergency room, new scans confirmed he had a tumor in his adrenal gland. A few days later Will was diagnosed with high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma and he immediately began chemotherapy at a local children’s hospital.

Will’s journey to MSK occurred shortly after, Anna recalls: “After just a short conversation with Dr. Kushner on the phone for a second opinion, I knew right away we’d be switching. MSK treats so many kids with neuroblastoma.”

Dr. Brian Kushner, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at MSK Kids, collaborated closely with MSK pediatric surgeon Dr. J. Ted Gerstle on Will’s care.

For the next few years, the Bonichi’s rented an apartment in New York City while Will completed chemotherapy, proton radiation, immunotherapy, and two successful surgeries. Will also qualified for a neuroblastoma vaccine clinical trial, pioneered by MSK pediatric oncologist Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung and led by Dr. Kushner, and received 10 rounds of a neuroblastoma vaccine, with his last round being in May 2025. Scans in June showed a clear MRI.

“He’s so resilient,” Anna says. “He can now talk to others about his cancer. When he’s asked about the scars on his belly, he’ll reply ‘I had cancer.’” Anna is also resilient and attributes her close community for supporting her throughout. “We have such a strong network in both Chicago and New York City, and they still show up to this day.”

Now, Anna and her family talk about Will’s cancer even more because they participate in events that raise funds for research or awareness of pediatric cancer. One event in particular is Cycle for Survival. In partnership with Band of Parents, the Bonichi's ride with both Team “Will the Warrior” and Team “Cats Crush Cancer.”

Will, now 5.5 years old, is heading into kindergarten this fall and loves soccer, Ninja class, and playing with his sister, Emma.

Share this post to raise awareness for neuroblastoma this Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. 💛

09/04/2025

✨ As part of Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) Week, we celebrated the heart, expertise, and leadership that our CNSs bring to MSK every day with a group breakfast, luncheon, and a National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists webinar. From coffee to connection, it's been a wonderful few days full of gratitude and good vibes.

09/04/2025

09/02/2025

In 2023, Tarina, a 54-year-old social studies teacher at Mount Hope Centennial School in the Bronx, began experiencing unexpected bleeding. Tarina knew something was wrong, especially since she was post-menopausal. She trusted her instincts and went to the gynecologist. After a series of tests, she learned she had uterine cancer.

A coworker told her, “You know we have a partnership with MSK, right?” That one comment changed everything for Tarina.

Through MSK Direct, MSK’s program that connects employees and their families to expert cancer care at MSK, Tarina was able to quickly meet with gynecologic surgeon Dr. Sarah Kim. Tarina reflects on her first visit with Dr. Kim: “She had such an upbeat spirit and a positive outlook on things.”

During her spring break that year, Tarina had a hysterectomy and lymph node removal. The cancer hadn’t spread, so no chemotherapy or radiation was needed. Just three and a half weeks later, she was back in the classroom.

Now cancer free, Tarina is grateful for the expert care she received at MSK and the fast access through MSK Direct. Outside of school, she enjoys Broadway shows, catching movies, and trying new restaurants. She’s especially excited to begin another school year cancer free when classes start this week.

Leave a 👏 in the comments for Tarina and learn more about MSK Direct here: https://bit.ly/4mM0JmJ

09/02/2025

At MSK, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are making a significant impact on patient outcomes through their expert guidance, evidence-based interventions, and compassionate leadership. Their contributions are felt across all units and in every life they touch.

This CNS Week, we honor their dedication to advancing care and improving lives. Help celebrate our MSK CNSs below in the comments. 🎉

08/29/2025

In February 2023, just three days before her 42nd birthday, Anna was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer.

After months of feeling unwell, including bloating, fatigue, and frequent urination, Anna went to her local hospital in Greenwich, CT and was put on antibiotics for a ruptured appendix. When there was no improvement after being on antibiotics, Anna’s appendix was removed and a biopsy a few days later confirmed her diagnosis.

“I work in preventative wellness as a career,” says Anna. “So everything I based my whole life around I had to come to terms with, but it’s not always fool proof.”

Her sister immediately urged her to come to MSK, where Anna settled into care with colorectal surgeon Dr. Garrett Nash, a leader of appendix cancer research for almost two decades. In March 2023, he successfully performed a right hemicoloectomy to remove her lymph nodes and confirm that she had no residual cancer. Following the result of the surgery, Dr. Nash advised that chemotherapy was not necessary.

Today, Anna is doing well and enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, who are heading back to elementary school this fall.

“When I was going through everything, my youngest was in kindergarten and oldest was in third grade,” says Anna. “Now my youngest is in third! And there was a time that I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to see him.”

Anna and her family also adopted a dog, Poppy, and plans to train her to be part of therapy dog programs, like MSK’s Caring Canine program.

“She’s been my therapy and part of my healing, and I want to do something to give back.”

Give Anna a 👏 below!