Gina Cappelletti is an Essence of Nursing Award honoree.

In her 35 years of caring for cancer patients, Gina Cappelletti, BSN, RN, has focused on understanding the full impact of the disease on patients and loved ones and tending to their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

“It’s about providing compassionate and empathetic care during one of the most frightening times of their lives,” said Cappelletti, who has worked on Braunwald Tower 6A, Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, for 30 years. “As nurses, we have the sacred opportunity to meet patients during these vulnerable moments. Our role transcends the delivery of healthcare; we become part of their support system, helping them navigate the emotional, physical and mental toll that comes with cancer treatment.”

One way Cappelletti has helped to uplift families was connecting them with a program that offered oncology patients and families with free tickets to Red Sox games.

“Gina recognized the program as a potential source of joy and respite for families navigating the rigors of cancer treatment,” said Jenelle Johnson, MSN, RN, PMGT-BC, nursing director. “In addition to her full-time role as an oncology and bone marrow transplant nurse, Gina collaborated with Volunteer Services and patient programs to make these experiences possible. She has tirelessly arranged these outings for patients and families enduring long and stressful hospital stays.”

Patients and families shared how meaningful these opportunities were, with some noting that it made their summer and helped them to experience the city in a positive way.

Cathleen Rowland, Gina Cappelletti and Jenelle Johnson

“Through her extraordinary efforts, Gina has brought light and happiness to countless families during their darkest moments,” said Johnson. “Her dedication reminds us that healing extends beyond medicine — it is about creating lasting memories, sparking joy and providing comfort in times of great uncertainty.”

Cappelletti works to address uncertainty and anticipate patients’ and families’ needs throughout their hospital stay. She strives to answer questions and empower patients with the information and resources they need.

When the wife of an older patient expressed fear that she would not be able to care for him upon discharge because of his many medications, Cappelletti made a plan. Early in the patient’s admission, Cappelletti reviewed the medication with the patient and his wife every day — not just upon discharge.

“Gina had the patient and his wife read each bottle and state what the medication was for and when to take it,” said Cathleen Rowland, MSN, MPH, RN, OCN, BMTCN, professional development manager for Oncology. “She worked with them to develop a medication schedule that worked for them, empowering them so that when the day of discharge arrived, they had the knowledge and confidence to recover successfully at home.”

Rowland added, “From admission to discharge, Gina develops a trusting relationship with patients and learns what’s important to them. She knows when to listen, when to teach and, most importantly, when to be silent and hold her patient’s hand.”

Katie Casey, BSN, RN, a clinical nurse on Tower 6A, noted that Cappelletti is well-known for her consistent efforts to go above and beyond to meet the needs of patients and families.

“Her compassion ensures no patient or family feels rushed, but instead feels truly heard and supported,” Casey said. “Her tireless efforts to go above and beyond, finding meaningful ways to make a difference, set her apart as an extraordinary nurse. Gina is an invaluable member of the 6A team, and I am deeply proud to work alongside her.”

Nominated by Jenelle Johnson, MSN, RN, PMGT-BC, nursing director, with letters of support from Cathleen Rowland, MSN, MPH, RN, OCN, BMTCN, professional development manager for Oncology, and Katie Casey, BSN, RN, of Braunwald Tower 6A