NICOLE Baso’s smile lit up a room and her fiancé John Jirouch hopes her memory will stay alive through her donation to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
She may have lost her battle with cancer, but one of her final gifts has been realised with the purchase of a piece of equipment.
Her partner John Jirouch has ensured Ms Basso’s $5000 gift has led to the purchase of a cutting edge $5000 blood warmer for the Cancer Care Unit at Cairns Hospital.
The addition of this blood warmer represents a significant advancement in patient care.
The newly acquired blood warmer will play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. It ensures blood transfusions and infusions are administered at the optimal temperature, minimising the risk of complications and enhancing the overall comfort and well-being of patients undergoing treatment.
"We are deeply touched by Nicole's generosity," Cairns Hospital Cancer Care Unit Acting Nurse Manager Jisha Ittiavirah said.
"This blood warmer will make a large difference in the lives of our cancer patients, as it is used to prevent hypothermia which can occur during surgeries or when large amounts of blood or fluid are administered,” Ms Ittiavirah said.
“This also increases a patient’s comfort level while a transfusion occurs,” she said.
Nicole was diagnosed with multiple myeoloma in 2011 after slipping and breaking her hip.
“Right from the start, Nicole was so positive that she would beat it. Countless trips to the Royal Brisbane Hospital, chemo, tablets, steroids, cell harvest and terrible pain that she went through.
“She was in remission for four-and-a-half years but it slowly made its way back.
“Although the end was at Gordonvale Palliative Care, the Cancer Care Unit at Cairns Hospital was our second home. The nurses and staff were so amazing to us. They became our second family. I just want her to never be forgotten. She was such an incredibly special person. I hope this donation can make a difference to other patients.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said Nicole and John’s was an inspiring story of love, compassion and sacrifice.
“John’s donation and willingness to share their story is a beautiful gift to the whole community. We will ensure her gift goes towards helping other cancer patients and their families,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: John Jirouch (second from left) with the blood warmer and Cairns Hospital Cancer Care Unit nurses Kirra Blight, Peta Louise Grant, Jishamol Ittiavirah and Jerissa Sherin.
