Kaifan Zhao, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Wins ONN’s 2025 Extraordinary Healer® Award

Kaifan Zhao, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, was this year's recipient of the Extraordinary Healer Award.

CURE Media Group and Oncology Nursing News recognized Kaifan Zhao, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, as the winner of the 2025 Extraordinary Healer® award, which honors nurses in the cancer community who dedicate their lives to make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.

Essays were submitted by colleagues, patients, friends and family members identifying Zhao, two finalists and 82 other Extraordinary Healer® nominees.

The Extraordinary Healer® award event, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech, was hosted on April 9, during an in-person celebration held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Oncology Nursing Society Congress in Denver.

Marie Block, Product Manager of Marketing of CAR-T Nurse Experience Oncology® at Johnson & Johnson, noted that the role oncology nurses play in patient care is the backbone of their institution and care.

The event also featured keynote speaker, Amy Robach, an American television journalist, podcaster, and author of The New York Times bestseller “Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held on to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour.” Robach’s story of resilience and hope gained widespread attention after her breast cancer diagnosis, which was revealed following an on-air mammogram on Good Morning America.

Her experience with cancer and subsequent treatment is detailed in her bestselling book, where she shares her journey of finding joy despite facing adversity. Robach has since become a prominent advocate for breast cancer awareness, using her platform to encourage others to prioritize their health and undergo regular screenings.

“You are walking with [patients with cancer] during the scariest time of their lives,” she said. “They are afraid for their lives. They are afraid to think about tomorrow. They’re fighting for tomorrow, and you are there as their backbone, as their support, as their light.”

Amy continued to talk about her own cancer journey and the challenges she faced when she was diagnosed with cancer.

The Extraordinary Healer event featured keynote speaker Amy Robach.

“I realized how fragile life really is, how easily it can be upended by something like a diagnosis that feels like a death sentence,” she said. “And yet, somehow, here I am, 11 years later, still standing, still fighting. Along the way, I met so many incredible people, like my fellow cancer warriors and the extraordinary healers in the rooms, who made me feel like I wasn’t alone. They didn’t just treat my body—they supported my spirit, my mind and my hope. It wasn’t easy, but that’s where the true healing began.”

“It’s never just about the medicine—it’s about the people who walk alongside you through the scariest, darkest moments of your life,” she continued. “Those are the moments that shape you, that make you realize the strength you never knew you had. I know cancer doesn’t just disappear. It’s with you forever, in the back of your mind, in the decisions you make, in the relationships you hold dear. But you learn to live with it, to find new meaning in life, and to cherish every day you get. That’s the greatest gift of all.”

Bridging Cultural Gaps in Palliative Care

Zhao, an advanced practice nurse at City of Hope’s supportive care medicine, was nominated by Carey T. Ramirez, for his groundbreaking work in providing culturally sensitive palliative care.

Zhao recognized the specific needs of Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking patients with cancer and established a specialized clinic in 2023, which has already served over 100 individuals. His commitment to addressing healthcare gaps and ensuring holistic, culturally competent care has made a profound impact on both patients and the healthcare community.

“Kaifan recalled that although he had many Chinese-speaking colleagues, no one seemed to take a stand to advocate and serve this population,” Ramirez said. “Having had such a tumultuous experience navigating the health care system as a teenager, Kaifan felt called to make a difference for Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking patients. He was uniquely positioned with the skills and knowledge to make a difference.”

The other finalists for the Extraordinary Healer award were Kathleen Coughlin, MSN, ANP-BC, BMTCN, and Matthew Mangold, BSN, RN.

Supporting Oncology Nursing Leadership

Coughlin, an oncology nurse practitioner and clinical nursing director of the bone marrow transplant/oncology unit at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, was nominated by her colleague Antonia Maloney, for her exceptional leadership and advocacy in oncology nursing.

With 26 years of experience at Tufts, Coughlin has become a pillar of support for both her patients and colleagues. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the best possible care while mentoring and educating the next generation of oncology nurses. Coughlin’s dedication extends beyond the clinical setting as she is also committed to the professional development of novice nurses, helping them build the skills and passion needed to thrive in oncology nursing.

The Extraordinary Healer award was presented to Zhao on behalf of Oncology Nursing News and CURE Media Group. / Left to right: Kristie L. Kahl, James Rivelinno, Kaifan Zhao, Amy Robach

“Kathleen does the extraordinary work of taking the time to truly know and understand her patients and the obstacles they encounter,” said Maloney during the ceremony. “Recently, Kathleen had a patient who opted to forgo treatment because of transportation issues. All available resources were depleted, so Kathleen introduced him to another patient who lived in his area and also had received a bone marrow transplant. These patients and their families were both traveling into the city two to three times each week. The families were able to support each other and assist with transportation. They have now become extended family and each other’s lifeline.”

Honoring Veterans with Compassion

Mangold, a radiation oncology nurse at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, was nominated by Erin Longstreth-Papsun, for his unique initiative to honor veterans undergoing cancer treatment. Mangold, a veteran of a military family, founded Radiating Valor to recognize the service of veterans by presenting them with handcrafted wooden American flags on their last day of treatment.

His commitment to patient advocacy and supporting veterans is evident in his care and in the creation of this program. In addition to his clinical role, Mangold is also working toward oncology certification and serves on the patient education and staff wellness committees at his hospital.

“Since joining the team in 2023, Matt has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and insight. He quickly grasped the intricacies of patient care within radiation oncology, becoming a strong contributor to team engagement and collaboration. His calm, methodical approach not only reassures patients during a challenging time but also fosters a supportive environment for his colleagues,” said Longsteth-Papsun during the ceremony.

Zhao was recognized for his advocacy for Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking patients with cancer.

‘A Composition of Compassion, Expertise and Resilience’

Kristie L. Kahl, vice president of oncology content at MJH Life Sciences, the parent company of Oncology Nursing News and CURE Media Group, reflected on the nominations that were received for this year’s Extraordinary Healer® award and the compassion that encompasses each nominee.

“Each of you in this room encompasses a composition of compassion, expertise and resilience. And we are proud to have the unique opportunity to recognize our oncology nurses,” she said during the ceremony. “I speak on behalf of myself and everyone at CURE and Oncology Nursing News in that we appreciate all of you here this evening, our oncology nurses. Please know that your work is seen, your dedication is valued, and your impact is immeasurable.”

James Rivelinno, director of sales for CURE and Oncology Nursing News, as well as Targeted Oncology, recognized the commitment oncology nurses have in the caring of patients with cancer.

“And most importantly, to the oncology nursing community. CURE is proud to shine a spotlight on a profession that routinely goes above and beyond for cancer patients,” he said. “You are the backbone of cancer care — the guiding light for patients and families through some of their most difficult moments. Whether offering a reassuring touch, a compassionate ear, or expert guidance through complex treatments, you bring both science and heart into your work every single day. And tonight, we celebrate you.”