A Survivor's Story: How Nurses Shape A Cancer Treatment Healing Journey

^{MacKenzie Weldon, Shaw Contract Vice President of Strategic Accounts Healthcare}

^{Written by MacKenzie Weldon, Shaw Contract Vice President Strategic Accounts, Healthcare
Article published by Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design}

At Shaw Contract, we are honored to share MacKenzie Weldon’s heartfelt tribute to nurses, written during her ongoing journey with breast cancer. Mackenzie's courage and vulnerability in telling her story reflect the essence of healing environments — spaces that nurture, comfort and empower.

As a Healthcare Vice President Strategic Accounts, MacKenzie’s insights as a healthcare leader and survivor deepen our commitment to customer-centric design and remind us of the profound human impact behind every solution we offer.

This past year has been one of the most challenging of my life. For decades, my career has centered on the healthcare industry — providing products and services to facilities across the country. I believed that experience had given me a true understanding of healthcare.

But in October 2024, everything changed. I was diagnosed with triple-negative stage 3B breast cancer, a diagnosis that instantly turned my world upside down. What followed was a year of procedures, treatments, and constant uncertainty — navigating care at two of Minnesota’s most renowned health systems, Mayo Clinic and Allina Health.

While medical expertise, advanced technology, and clinical precision were essential to my treatment, what I will carry with me forever is the human side of care. The nurses were constant threads throughout every stage of my journey. They became my advocates, my teachers, my comforters, and, at times, my lifeline. Their compassion reminded me that healing is not just a clinical process—it is deeply personal. They turned moments of fear into moments of courage and gave me hope on the hardest days.

Nursing, at its best, is both science and art. I experienced this firsthand. Each nurse who walked into my room understood that healing is not just about the body, but also about the mind and spirit. They reminded me—through small gestures and large—that I was more than my diagnosis. A gentle hand on mine during an infusion, a quiet moment of reassurance before surgery, or simply taking the time to explain what was happening when I was too overwhelmed to ask—all these moments became the threads that wove resilience into my days.

I also saw how selfless their work is. Nurses cared for me tirelessly, even on the longest shifts, often placing my needs above their own. They met me with empathy on my hardest days, when the physical and emotional weight of cancer felt unbearable. They found ways to preserve my dignity when I felt most vulnerable. Their commitment never wavered, no matter how many patients they were responsible for or how complex my case became.

This year taught me that the heart of healthcare is nursing. I walked into hospitals and clinics as a cancer patient, but I was cared for as a whole person. Nurses at Mayo and Allina gave me the strength to keep moving forward through the fear, fatigue, and pain of treatment. They reminded me of hope when I needed it most.

As I reflect on this journey, I feel overwhelming gratitude. Nurses are the quiet force that sustains patients and families in moments of crisis. My story is just one of many, but I hope it serves as a testament to the transformative power of nursing. To every nurse who touched my life this year: thank you. Your care has left an imprint on my healing that will never fade — and has renewed my own commitment to ensure that the work I do in healthcare continues to support and uplift the people who make moments like these possible.

^{MacKenzie Weldon and the Shaw Contract Healthcare Team}

MacKenzie’s insights as a healthcare leader and survivor deepen her commitment to customer-centric design and remind us of the profound human impact behind every solution we offer.

Why is it important to include nurses, staff and patients in healthcare facility design decisions?

“Nurses, staff and patients are the ones who use these spaces every day. Their voices are critical because they understand firsthand what works and what doesn’t work. When we include them in design conversations, we create environments that truly support care quality and enhance the user experience, not just for patients, but for everyone who works in the healthcare environment.

What happens when care staff are excluded from decision-making in facility design?

“I’ve spoken with care staff who felt left out of the design process. As a result, the spaces they work in often don’t function optimally. When staff aren’t consulted, important details get missed, and the environment can actually hinder their ability to provide care. It’s essential to bring their perspectives to the table from the start.”

How does design impact emergency responses in healthcare settings?

A: “During my own treatment, I experienced emergencies in different facilities. In a well-designed space, nurses could respond quickly and efficiently because the layout supported their workflow. In a poorly designed environment, staff struggled to access equipment and reach me in time. Thoughtful design can literally make the difference in critical moments.”

Q: What does a consultative approach with end users look like in practice?

“I always try to engage heads of construction, facilities, and environmental services, as well as care staff and patients. By asking questions that consider how each person uses the space, we can develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs. It’s up to us as healthcare design leaders to start these conversations.

“Time and resource constraints are real barriers. Teams may not have the bandwidth to consult every stakeholder, but skipping this step can impact the effectiveness of the final facility. It’s important to prioritize engagement, even if it takes extra effort, because the payoff is a space that truly works for everyone.”

Q: How do cancer care needs differ by age and individual circumstances?

“Cancer care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Younger patients have different needs than older ones—especially when it comes to support, cosmetic recovery, and survivorship. During my treatment, I’ve seen firsthand how facilities must adapt to address the rising number of younger cancer patients. Design and support services should reflect these unique requirements.”

Q: How has your experience with cancer influenced your approach to product selection for healthcare projects?

“My journey made me prioritize sustainability and non-toxic materials. Cancer patients are often looking to minimize exposure to harmful substances, so product choices matter. Shaw’s leadership in sustainability and the selection of safe, easy-to-maintain products are critical for healing environments.