"Going the extra mile" highlights the stories and actions of staff praised by colleagues for living the Mayo Clinic values. Read the story of a nurse in the Cancer Treatment Unit in Rochester who brightens patients' birthdays during their chemotherapy treatments.

---

Jon Galde knows how to bring a sparkle to his patients' eyes. His secret: Candles and birthday treats.

It began when Galde, a nurse in the Gonda 10 Cancer Treatment Unit in Rochester, learned that a patient's birthday fell on the day the patient was starting chemotherapy.

Galde had the idea to brighten the patient's day by bringing him Rice Krispie treats. But it wouldn't be a birthday without candles, Galde thought. So he fashioned a candle out of paper — complete with a paper flame (in keeping with Mayo's safety protocols, of course.)

What started as a small gesture has now turned into a tradition.

Galde honors all his patients' birthdays by bringing them Rice Krispie treats and candles. And for those days when he is not at work, Galde keeps a bag of treats and candles in his mailbox so his colleagues can share them with patients.

Galde's gesture is especially meaningful since the Gonda 10 Cancer Treatment Unit sees upward of 240 patients a day, says Brittany Vlaminck, an advanced practice nurse in the unit.

Appointment times can be long, and patients have to prepare themselves for any adverse effects of the treatment that could set in as they are undergoing treatment or shortly after.

"They often have difficulty maintaining their identity as individuals separate from their cancer diagnosis," Vlaminck says. "Jon's little gesture is one that celebrates the individual separate from the cancer diagnosis. His small but powerful gesture is a spark of light in their day."

Jon's little gesture is one that celebrates the individual separate from the cancer diagnosis. His small but powerful gesture is a spark of light in their day.

Brittany Vlaminck

Galde's actions also are a reminder of why people work at Mayo Clinic, Vlaminck says.

"He genuinely wants to help people and put a smile on their faces," she says.

Not to mention what he does for his colleagues.

Working with patients in hematology and oncology can sometimes take an emotional toll on the healthcare professionals caring for them. Galde helps bring fresh perspective during trying times, Vlaminck says.

Galde's calm demeanor and desire to do the right thing for patients and advocate for them have also set a foundation for an above-and-beyond culture within the entire unit, she says.

"Jon reminds us of the little sparks of hope that happen every day," she says. "He has the ability to see the good in the most difficult situations. Jon's patients truly are lucky to have such an extraordinary nurse."

---

HELPFUL LINKS

• Explore Mayo Clinic.
• Check out careers at Mayo Clinic.
• Request an appointment.