DeKalb Medical Nurse Clinician Rose McKeever, LPN, was awarded the Georgia Hospital Heroes Award at the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Annual Meeting on Nov. 13. McKeever, who was one of only 10 individuals to receive the award, was recognized for her work with breast cancer patients. Â
McKeever has been employed as a nurse at DeKalb Medical since 1978 and currently serves as a breast nurse navigator for the cancer support team on DeKalb Medical’s North Decatur campus. Over the years, she has given countless hours to cancer support groups and is the facilitator of the breast cancer support group that has met every week since 1990.
McKeever’s support also extends to the children and grandchildren of cancer patients. In 1993, she established the Tree House Gang, a support group that helps children comprehend what their loved ones are going through and provides them with an outlet to express their feelings and deal with their grief. McKeever plans activities throughout the year and has built relationships with sponsors to help fund the events. She also oversees an annual card fundraiser for the Tree House Gang. Each member designs a card with a theme of their choosing and the cards are then reproduced and sold throughout the hospital. Some of the cards are made specifically for patients in the hospital.
McKeever is also always willing to dedicate her time wherever she can in the hospital. DeKalb Medical’s cancer center director recently lost a long battle with cancer. During her treatment, McKeever provided her with personal support, even traveling to her home to comfort her.
“Cancer patients and their children would not have the support they do without Rose McKeever,†said GHA President Earl V. Rogers. “She is continually providing help and support where she can and is an inspiration to all of us. She is a most-deserving recipient of this award.â€
