Meet Fox Chase Cancer Center DAISY Award recipients,
Judy Loc, BSN, RN, and Tyler Loc, BSN, RN.
Judy Loc, BSN, RN, and Tyler Loc, BSN, RN.
Judy Loc, BSN, RN, and son Tyler Loc, BSN, RN, share many admirable family values: a strong work ethic, deep compassion for others, and a dedication to finding solutions for patients in need. But as alike as they are, their individual paths to becoming DAISY Awardees at Fox Chase Cancer Center, uniquely reflects the remarkable talents each offers.
For years, Judy had a legendary reputation for her care and camaraderie with Ambulatory Care patients and co-workers. In 2022, Infusion Services recruited Judy to help develop the Fox Chase Theranostics Program, where radiological tracers diagnose and treat cancers. Here, again, Loc proved to be a devoted nurse-trainer and valuable partner to the physician staff.
“With the help of a great team, I was able to build the Program for this important aspect of cancer diagnosis and effective treatment,” says Judy. And many colleagues note that Judy is one of the reasons patient volumes grew and the Program became so successful
Jian Q. (Michael) Yu, MD, FACNM, FRCPC, Chief of Nuclear Medicine and PET, certainly thinks so. In 2023, Yu nominated Judy for a DAISY for the nursing leadership she provides in Fox Chase’s Outpatient Theranostics Program, and said in part,
I’m overseeing the PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radiotracer Therapy) in FCCC for neuroendocrine patients. Dr. Vijayvergia is the main referring physician, and Judy is the main nurse for the PRRT Program. This is a very specialized treatment, and Judy took it in stride. She does a great job providing excellent care for our patients and family members.
Then, in 2022, another Loc family member joined Fox Chase. Tyler, Judy’s son, began his academic career at Temple University in biomedical engineering. He then enrolled in nursing school, and joined Fox Chase, working in the West Triage area of Ambulatory Care, his mother’s former unit. Tyler had big shoes to fill but quickly distinguished himself amongst patients and colleagues with his sincere kindness.
Even Tyler admits that it was a difficult transition as a young nurse to follow a parent–particularly one with Judy’s reputation–into the workplace.
“In triage, patients come in without an appointment because something is bothering them; it’s easy to see how overwhelming cancer treatment and its aftermath can be,” said Tyler. “We’re like a second home to some of our patients, so I want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.”
Within the last year, Tyler Loc has received numerous notes of recognition from patients and families, including more than one DAISY nomination. Here is what one note stated:
My husband was in for hydration, feeling very run down. Tyler noticed, asking all the correct questions. He was able to calm my husband and walked us to EDR. He was the complete definition of the word “NURSE.” He was thoughtful, caring, patient, and kind. . an angel! We feel blessed to have met him. Throughout our journey, we have met many kind people here. Having also met his mother, Judy! The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Thank you for such great care by great people.
Judy notes, “While it is a little strange seeing your son at work, it's also really nice. Tyler was always an empathetic child, sensitive to how other people feel, and I am proud to see how he brings that sensitivity to nursing.”
You could say that caring for others runs in the Loc family because now, Tyler’s sister has just graduated with a nursing degree. And although she doesn’t yet work for Fox Chase, we wouldn’t bet against it. There may be another Fox Chase DAISY Award recipient in the making.
