New award memorializes beloved wife and celebrates nursing excellence
Lancaster resident Robert Graybill returned to Penn State Cancer Institute on Jan. 22 as part of an emotional journey to honor his late wife, Donna, a former patient who lost her courageous battle with cancer in 2022. He gathered with Development staff to finalize his $20,000 gift commitment to establish the Donna S. Graybill Nursing Excellence Award in Oncology. Robert was also joined by members of Donna’s former care team who wanted to express their gratitude for his generosity and remember their former patient.
Donna, a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and Rutgers University, worked for Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, initially as one of the company’s first franchise owners and later in corporate product development. She and Robert celebrated 44 years of marriage in July 2021. Donna was an inpatient at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for two months prior to her death, and Robert never left her side, sleeping in the chair in her patient room.
Robert is deeply appreciative of the excellent care that Donna received from providers at the Cancer Institute and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, including the oncology nurses. In establishing this endowed award, Robert aims to both celebrate Donna’s life and memory and help Penn State Health recognize nurses for the difference they make in the lives of patients and their loved ones every day.
“While Donna wasn’t able to beat her cancer, I will never forget the kindness and compassion shown by her expert physicians and nurses. I hope to live the rest of my life in a way that would make Donna proud and believe that this award is an important way to do so,” Robert said.
The Donna S. Graybill Nursing Excellence Award in Oncology will be given annually to an outstanding oncology nurse who exhibits professional excellence.
“Nurses play a vitally important role at the Cancer Institute and Hershey Medical Center, bringing expertise, empathy and respect to the bedside in our outpatient and inpatient settings. They are tireless advocates for those in their care, building trusting relationships with patients and their loved ones and often leaving a lasting mark on their lives,” said Sarah Kirby, associate vice president of Cancer Services. “We are deeply grateful to the Graybill family for entrusting us with Donna’s care and for Robert’s generosity in establishing this meaningful award.”
Donors like Robert Graybill advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the Commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.
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