For Colleen Forbes, RN, BSN, ONC, compassionate care isn’t defined by a single moment but by the relationships built over time.
This philosophy has earned Forbes, an oncology nurse navigator at the Duke Sarcoma Center, the 2026 Compassionate Care Award from the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA). The national award recognizes patient navigators and caregivers whose dedication, empathy, and advocacy improve the experience of sarcoma patients, a rare and often complex cancer.
“When I think about receiving this award, I don’t think of one specific moment,” Forbes said. “I think of many patients and families who trusted me during some of their hardest times."
Care Beyond the Clinic
Forbes joined Duke Orthopaedic Oncology’s multidisciplinary sarcoma team in 2020. Even before patients arrive for their first visit—often overwhelmed by a rare cancer diagnosis—she reviews their case, coordinates care, and ensures the right specialists are involved.
“When patients walk through our doors, Colleen already knows their story,” said Julia Visgauss, MD, division chief of Orthopaedic Oncology, who nominated Forbes. "They’re greeted not just by a nurse navigator but by someone prepared to support them from day one.”
This support often extends beyond appointments and treatment plans.
“What I remember are moments that go beyond clinical care,” Forbes said. “Patients share vacation photos they never thought they’d take, updates about weddings, graduations, new jobs, or new family members. Being part of those moments—those memories—is something I never take for granted.”
These connections, she said, are rooted in trust and presence in moments of vulnerability. “It’s about connection. It’s about being there when it matters most.”
What is Compassionate Care?
The Compassionate Care Award honors professionals whose support exceeds medical treatment. For Forbes, that means meeting patients where they are—emotionally, physically, and mentally—and helping them navigate what can seem like an overwhelming maze.
“Compassionate care means walking alongside patients every step of the way,” she said.
“Sometimes that’s education or advocacy. Sometimes it’s anticipating barriers and coordinating resources. And sometimes it’s simply sitting with someone and acknowledging how hard this moment is.”
Patients often thank her for being accessible, quick to respond, and patient when answering the same questions repeatedly.
“This kind of care makes sure patients feel supported not just as patients but as people,” Forbes said. “Sometimes that means sharing a hug or shedding a few tears after the doctor leaves the room.”
Reflections in Patient Stories
As a navigator, Forbes often works quietly behind the scenes—coordinating care, communicating across teams, and solving problems before patients even realize. Seeing that reflected in patient stories is especially meaningful.
“It is incredibly touching to receive positive patient feedback,” she said. "Knowing I played a small role in helping him navigate a major challenge meant a lot."
These moments reinforce the importance of small actions, she added. “Returning a call. Explaining a plan. Advocating for timely care. Those things truly matter.”
They also reflect the broader team," Forbes noted. “This work is never just about me; it’s about the entire support system around the patient.”
A Path Rooted in Care
Forbes’ journey into sarcoma care began with a strong foundation in caregiving. After earning her CNA certification through Durham Technical Community College, she got her BSN from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2013 and joined Duke as an inpatient orthopaedic nurse.
“I was an athlete, so helping patients recover and return to what they love was incredibly rewarding,” she said. While most of her early patients had joint or trauma issues, sarcoma patients left a lasting impression. “That population held a special place in our hearts.”
After leadership roles on Duke’s inpatient orthopaedic nursing team, Forbes sought a new opportunity. When an oncology nurse navigator position on the sarcoma team opened, she knew it was right for her. She joined in 2020—and hasn’t looked back.
“I’m grateful every day for this work and for the team that feels more like family.”
A Steadfast Advocate
According to Visgauss, Forbes’ impact reaches every aspect of sarcoma care—from translating complex medical information into understandable guidance to addressing social and financial barriers to ensuring no patient is left with unanswered questions.
“For our patients, Colleen is more than a navigator,” Visgauss said. “She’s an advocate, a guide, and a steady reassurance during one of the hardest times in their lives.”
This unwavering commitment—along with clinical expertise, leadership, and deep empathy—was what the Sarcoma Foundation of America aimed to honor.
For Forbes, the award reflects the trust patients place in her daily.
“Being invited into someone’s life during such a vulnerable time is an incredible responsibility,” she said. “Those relationships are why I do this work.”