A Mother-Daughter Bond That Heals
Claire Pittman found her calling in nursing and now brings compassion to every shift at Moffitt.
They’ve always walked side by side. Now, they do it in scrubs and a volunteer badge.
Claire Pittman, a nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center, and her mother Eileen Pittman, a volunteer with Moffitt’s Comfort Care Companion program, are both dedicated to improving the patient experience through their unique roles at the cancer center.
Claire started her nursing career at Moffitt almost three years ago. After relocating from the east coast of Florida, she joined Moffitt’s nursing residency program, where she has since become an integral part of the 5 North Inpatient Unit.
Her decision to pursue nursing grew out of personal experiences with family members facing medical challenges. She witnessed firsthand the critical role nurses play in providing comfort during difficult moments.
“What drives me in nursing is knowing that I can make a significant impact not just through medical treatment, but by offering a listening ear and a caring touch when patients need it most,” Claire said.
Eileen shares a journey similar to her daughter’s.
After a long history of caring for family members through cancer diagnoses, first her father, who passed away from pancreatic cancer, and then her mother, who battled metastatic lung cancer, Eileen was motivated to volunteer in a way that would allow her to give back to others going through similar experiences.
Eileen Pittman’s journey led her to Moffitt, where she now brings comfort to others.
“I saw how Moffitt took care of my father-in-law during his time here, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Eileen said. “When I retired, I knew I had the time and the desire to serve others. That’s when I became involved with the Comfort Care Companion program, which focuses on providing support to patients in the final stages of life.”
The strong connection between this mother and daughter forms the foundation of their commitment to helping others at Moffitt.
“Our bond as mother and daughter plays a big role in how we support each other at work,” Claire added. “There are times when I need someone to talk to after a long shift, and my mom is always there to listen. She understands what it’s like to care for someone in need, which makes her an invaluable source of support for me.”
Similarly, Claire’s experience as a nurse has given her mother a deeper insight into the nursing profession, particularly when it comes to patient care.
“I admire Claire’s professionalism and compassion,” Eileen said. “It’s one thing to hear about it, but to see it firsthand is incredibly special. It’s inspiring to see how she cares for her patients, and it gives me even more confidence in the work I do as a volunteer.”
Claire and Eileen Pittman’s story is one of shared values and mutual support. As a nurse and a volunteer, they continue to make meaningful contributions at Moffitt, each in their own way, but always walking side by side.
