Will Pape
Will, a long-time HCA Healthcare colleague, experienced the profound impact of compassionate care during his cancer treatment at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar StoneCrest. Diagnosed with astrocytoma, he was deeply moved by the warmth and kindness of his care team, which helped him through radiation and chemotherapy. Now five years post-treatment, Will's experience has reshaped his outlook, inspiring him to bring the same empathy and dedication to his work and personal life.
HCA Healthcare colleague experiences the life-changing impact of compassionate care at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar StoneCrest
As a dedicated HCA Healthcare colleague for over ten years, Will has experienced the profound influence of compassionate care—both as a healthcare worker and a patient. Will works on the HCA Healthcare IT&S team supporting the Electronic Medical Record system used for radiation oncology. However, it was his personal battle with cancer and the care he received at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center that redefined his understanding of healthcare and inspired him to continue giving back to both his colleagues and patients.
In 2017, Will was diagnosed with astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer, and he underwent surgery to successfully removed the tumor. In 2019, the cancer returned. Will faced it head-on with an aggressive treatment plan that included both radiation and chemotherapy. His daily treatments at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute became more than just a medical necessity—they became a life-changing experience filled with warmth, kindness and empathy.
From the moment Will walked through the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute doors, he felt the care team’s impact on his life. The genuine smiles, the warm greetings and the personal attention all contributed to his healing. “Every day, walking in and seeing those smiles—especially when you’re nervous and don’t know what to expect—made all the difference,” Will recalled. “It’s those small acts of kindness that truly changed my experience. They didn’t just treat me as a patient; they treated me like family.”
The empathetic care he received from his radiation team, including Velvet and Stephanie, left a lasting impression on Will. "They were the light during a very dark time. I quickly realized how much a nurse, a tech or a caregiver could change the day for a patient just by being there, offering kindness and showing they care. That’s something I carry with me every day now."
Will’s experience as a patient reshaped his outlook and his professional journey. Having worked on the IT side of healthcare, he suddenly understood the total weight of how every interaction could touch a patient’s life. "Before my cancer journey, I used to think my job was just about fixing problems. But once I was on the receiving end, I realized our work's incredible impact on patients. It’s not just about solving technical issues; it’s about ensuring everything runs smoothly so clinicians can focus on what matters—caring for patients."
Will is now at the five-year mark post-treatment and is doing well. His gratitude toward the Sarah Cannon team runs deep. He frequently stops by the center to say hello to those who made a profound difference in his life. His story is a powerful reminder that healthcare is about so much more than treating diseases—it’s about the human connection that underpins every patient-caregiver interaction.
“The care team at Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute didn’t just help me beat cancer—they inspired me to pay it forward,” Will reflected. “Their kindness, empathy and compassion gave me strength when I needed it most, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever. Whether it’s in my personal life or my work at HCA Healthcare, I now understand the true value of caring for people.”
Will’s journey underscores the lasting influence that a compassionate care team can have on a patient’s life. Velvet, Stephanie and the entire Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute team didn’t just provide medical care—they offered hope, understanding and kindness, leaving a mark that will resonate with Will for years to come. Through their example, Will has become a passionate advocate for patient care, continually striving to reflect the same empathy and compassion in his work that he experienced firsthand.
In healthcare, the power of kindness is immeasurable. For Will, it was the driving force that transformed his cancer treatment into a healing journey—one that will continue to inspire him and those around him for years to come.