Turning Patient Stories Into Science: How Donors Help Nurses Advance Cancer Pain Research
Honoring Donors Who Turn Compassion Into Discovery
Every breakthrough in oncology nursing begins with a story, one of compassion, curiosity, and promise to improve the lives of patients. For Jian Zhao, PhD, RN, that story began at the bedside.
“As a nurse scientist, my journey into cancer pain research is deeply rooted in the voices of patients I have cared for at the bedside,” Zhao said. “Early in my training, I cared for women undergoing gynecologic surgery who described their pain as ‘invisible yet overwhelming.’ Many felt isolated, uncertain about recovery, and unprepared for how pain would affect their daily lives.”
Those experiences inspired Zhao to dedicate her career to understanding and alleviating cancer-related pain—not only through research, but also through empathy and listening. Her work has evolved from clinical care to cutting-edge research that bridges biology, psychology, and survivorship.
Thanks to donor support, nurses like Zhao are turning empathy into innovation and hope.
From Promise to Progress
At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Zhao’s Oncology Nursing Foundation (ONF)-funded project explores how biomarker testing and real-time psychological dynamics after gynecologic cancer surgery can predict which patients are at risk for chronic postsurgical pain and why. The goal is to develop fast nurse-delivered interventions that restore control, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
“This award is more than research support,” Zhao said. “It’s a continuation of my bedside promise to turn patient stories into solutions that endure beyond the hospital stay and across recovery.”
The Power of Donor Support
Zhao’s work and that of numerous other nurse scientists is made possible through the generosity of ONF donors. Every gift funds innovative projects that translate the compassion of nursing into tangible advancements in cancer care.
Donor support empowers nurses to conduct vital research, lead transformative education initiatives, and implement real-world interventions that ease suffering and improve patient outcomes.
When donors give to ONF, they’re not only funding research; they’re investing in nurses like Zhao who listen deeply, care relentlessly, and create solutions that change lives.
Join Us in Supporting Nurse-Led Discovery
Because of donor generosity, ONF continues to empower oncology nurses to advance care through education, leadership, and research. Together, we can ensure that nurses have the resources to fulfill their bedside promises, turning compassion into discovery and discovery into hope.