In Memoriam

Tracy Truant, BSN ‘88, MSN ‘98, PhD ‘18
October 17, 1963 – April 8, 2021

From her first nursing position as a staff nurse in the Vancouver Cancer Centre in 1988, to her dream role as Provincial Director, Research & Innovation at the BC Cancer Agency, Tracy Truant’s career was committed to cancer nursing. Whether as nurse, teacher, student, or researcher, Tracy’s dedication to her field of practice was steadfast. Over the years she developed into a widely respected national and international leader in cancer care, but always kept close ties to the UBC School of Nursing in various roles, as a triple alumna, Assistant Coordinator in the Learning Resource Centre, and research partner.

Countless cancer care nurses will remember Tracy as their mentor and inspiration through her roles at the BC Cancer Agency, the Complementary Medicine Education and Outcomes (CAMEO) Program, and her membership in the Pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support Collaboration (COSTaRS). Many more will remember her through her work with the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO), including a two-year term as president, and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), leading the advancement of numerous strategic initiatives and establishing international partnerships and collaborations.

Tracy loved her PhD program, and was excited to be able to integrate research leadership into a clinical scientist role. Judging from the immense output in the limited time available to her, the world is incalculably poorer for the loss of Tracy’s potential contributions to her field as a senior leader at BC Cancer.

For more details about Tracy’s life and career, please read her Amazing Alumni Story. Tracy’s friends and family have set up a fund in her name to support the research of UBC Nursing grad students in the cancer field. To contribute to the fund, please visit the Tracy Truant Memorial Fund.