Inaugural Neuro-Oncology Nursing Lecture Honors Adam Clar
On Wednesday, October 30, nearly sixty nurses and healthcare professionals gathered for the inaugural Adam Clar Neuro-Oncology Nursing Lecture.
“The reason we are here tonight is because of Adam Clar,” said neuro-oncologist Susan Chang, MD, who led the opening remarks. “He was a courageous, graceful, purposeful man with a keen sense of humor, who was both a brain tumor patient and a nurse.”
Clar, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004, underwent two surgeries and after his experience as a patient, made a career change to become a nurse. Before his passing in December 2018, Clar expressed his wish to establish the Adam Clar, RN, Neuro-Oncology Nursing Lecture Fund. The fund is his legacy to celebrate, recognize and educate those in the nursing profession, so they are better prepared to care for patients and families with brain tumors.
Last week’s nursing lecture was supported by the fund, which was established through generous contributions from Clar’s family, friends and co-workers.
Featured speakers included UCSF clinical research nurse Jane Rabbitt, RN, who covered the molecular classification and treatment of brain tumors. Margaretta Page, RN, nurse coordinator for the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program, discussed caring for glioma patients across the disease trajectory, which includes such disciplines as neurocognitive and neuropsychological care, survivorship, caregiving, and palliative care.
As part of the celebration, Sharon Lamb, RN was honored with the Adam Clar Neuro-Oncology Nursing Award, recognizing her career-long excellence and dedication to neuro-oncology patient care. Lamb was part of the UCSF Brain Tumor Center for many years, as a clinical nurse specialist for neurosurgery and neurology. Her impact extends to the national and international level; Lamb’s leadership and advisory roles at the National Brain Tumor Foundation and International Brain Tumor Alliance allowed her to advocate for programs that address the needs of patients and families.
The event was further honored by the presence of Adam’s family and close friends. “He would have loved this,” said Adam’s wife, Elizabeth Clar. “He loved teaching, and this was exactly what he wanted.”
Make a gift to the Adam Clar, RN, Neuro-Oncology Nursing Lecture Fund.