For years, Gabriela Montes has been a source of comfort, strength and hope for countless patients facing multiple myeloma. Gabriela first heard of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation® (MMRF®) through her patients and providers, from where she works as the FFX Infusion Lead Nurse & Cannabis Educator at Virginia Cancer Specialists.
At first, due to her busy schedule, Gabriela was just able to support the organization by donating. For years, the annual MMRF Walk/Run event has been on her calendar — so she could see the impact of her work and support myeloma patients — but this marks the first year that she will be attending and supporting in person. This moment is quite special for Gabriela, and seeing all of the patients walking together in DC will be powerful.
Gabriela is honored to be Washington, DC’s MMRF Spirit of Hope Award honoree this year. She says, “This award represents the deep gratitude from my patients. As nurses, we treat our work with love, kindness, and compassion — and to know that it makes a difference is the greatest honor.”
Apart from her work at Virginia Cancer Specialists, Gabriela finds strength and purpose in many aspects of her life. Her parents taught her that faith, kindness, and compassion are the keys to finding strength and perseverance when faced with adversity. Even in the hardest challenges, Gabriela maintains her unwavering optimism and dedication to bringing hope and healing to those around her.
One of Gabriela’s guiding mantras is “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” Along with her parents’ teachings, this simple — yet powerful — philosophy shapes the way that Gabriela approaches her work. It reminds her to lead with empathy, patience, and respect.
As Gabriela reflects on her journey, and the honor of receiving the Spirit of Hope Award, she believes that the true Spirit of Hope comes from the patients and survivors of multiple myeloma. Gabriela notes that patients and survivors “continually show me the power of resilience, love, and perseverance.” Gabriela is honored to serve and support these incredible warriors, and looks forward to seeing them on September 27th in Washington, DC.
