REBEKAH RABINOWITZ

When a family member is diagnosed with a brain tumor, everyday activities can come to an abrupt halt. If you're a medical professional, the situation can seem even more grave.

In 2000, Rebecca Bennett began treatment for a brain tumor, and, since that time, she has undergone radiation therapy, two rounds of chemotherapy and three surgeries.

"About a year ago, Rebecca's tumor became more aggressive again, and many difficult decisions had to be made about her treatment options," said Bennett's husband, Aaron, a paramedic. "Around that time, Rebekah Rabinowitz became her nurse, and the guidance and caring she showed us have made all the difference."

Rabinowitz, RN, BSN, had been on the staff at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute for about six months when Bennett came in for treatments in July 2006.

A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Rabinowitz, 32, started out as a pediatric nurse. She moved to Atlanta in 2002 — still working in direct patient care, but this time with adults.

"I've found that one of the most important parts of my job is to talk with and educate the family about their choices," Rabinowitz said. "In pediatric nursing, you have to be very tender with the children and the family. We know that everyone wants what's best for the patient, and that's the way I work with my adult patients."

For Aaron Bennett, making decisions about treatment options was challenging, and Rabinowitz's perspective provided the clarity that he and his wife needed to move forward.

"She went beyond her job description by helping me deal with insurance situations and even giving me her private telephone number, encouraging me to call her anytime to discuss my wife's treatments," he said. "Rebekah is one of those health care providers who see patients as human beings, and she talked to my wife and me just like a friend would."

"I just helped by being honest and making their choices clear for them," Rabinowitz said. "Sometimes it's hard to make a choice, but we set timetables for decisions to be made and worked together. It's an honor for me to help my patients."