Ena has been a nurse in Ottawa for 38 years – with more than half of her career working with people living with cystic fibrosis.
After 19 years of working with CF patients, Ena has witnessed how dedicated people with cystic fibrosis are to taking care of their health, and how hard they work to maintain their health.
As CF Clinic Nurse Coordinator at Ottawa General Hospital’s Adult CF clinic, Ena is dedicated to the emotional and physical well -being of the patients by helping them access clinic visits, checking in on their health and their knowledge of cystic fibrosis, and advocating for access to treatment.
Prior to becoming the nurse coordinator at the CF clinic, Ena was working in the outpatient clinics when she was approached by her manager and asked if she wanted to work in the cystic fibrosis clinic. What Ena didn’t realize at the time was that simple question would change the course of her life – and career.
“I am lucky to say there have been many milestones throughout my career – like newborn screening, protein modulators and watching my patients grow into adults. I’m thankful they allow me to be on their team and walk alongside them on their journey.”
Even in her personal time, Ena is dedicated to the CF community. She is passionate about advocating for people living with cystic fibrosis and helping them navigate the healthcare system. She’s served as chair of the Canadian Nursing Advisory Group, and is now a member of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Healthcare Advisory Council. She helps raise vital funds, speaks at events, and was recently at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Queen’s Park, to advocate for better access to Trikafta for people living with CF.
We are extremely grateful for the wisdom and support and long hours Ena has committed in service to people living with cystic fibrosis. And we salute her vision:
“To help people live with CF and not for it.”
Thank you, Ena, for your substantial contribution over the last 19 years to not only each patient you’ve seen, but also for your advocacy and volunteer efforts that impact the entire Canadian CF community.
