Oncology Nursing Foundation Commits $100,000 to Support Oncology Nursing Research Grants

(February 27, 2024) PITTSBURGH, PA - The Oncology Nursing Foundation announced its 2023 awards for two cancer nursing research projects for a total investment of $100,000.

“The Oncology Nursing Foundation Board of Trustees is proud to support the research of Drs. Claire Han and Sumin Park and their colleagues. Their work will allow us to continue to advance our mission of supporting cancer nursing excellence," Angie Stengel, MS, CAE, Executive Director, Oncology Nursing Foundation, said.

The research initiatives were selected following a rigorous scientific review process. Awarded projects are aligned with the Research Agenda of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), whose mission is to promote excellence in cancer nursing and quality cancer care. 

“A research grant from The Oncology Nursing Foundation will help me meet my academic and professional goals by allowing me to complete this research to support the development of innovative strategies in acute and long-term gastrointestinal symptom toxicity prevention and management in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving chemotherapy,” Claire Han, PhD, DNP, RN, ARNP, said. “I am especially privileged to work alongside a team of dedicated oncology professionals and researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and College of Nursing for this research to ensure we design solutions to improve CRC survivors’ outcomes and quality of life.”

The projects are funded in part by the Foundation’s endowment, as well as through generous contributions to the Foundation from Merck & Co., Inc. 

“As an early-stage investigator, receiving a research grant through the Oncology Nursing Foundation will serve as a catalyst for the next stage of my career,” Sumin Park, PhD, RN, said. “The grant will enable me to achieve two primary objectives: firstly, to gain insights and knowledge into the impact of social determinants of health on the health-related outcomes of patients with cancer and their family caregivers, considering multi-level perspectives; and secondly, to identify potential areas for future interventions that take into account the role of social determinants of health.” 

The Oncology Nursing Society established the Oncology Nursing Foundation in 1981 to accept charitable contributions to advance these important activities on behalf of oncology nursing. The mission of the Oncology Nursing Foundation is to support oncology nursing excellence. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and institutions over the years, since its inception, the Oncology Nursing Foundation has awarded more than $31 million in funding for oncology nursing education, research, and leadership development, giving nurses the opportunity to pursue excellence in delivering care to patients with cancer. For more information or to donate to the Oncology Nursing Foundation, visit www.onfgivesback.org.