We usually envision our heroes on a battlefield, either real or imagined, but a battlefield just the same – a place where enormous challenges are faced with infinite valor, tenacity and grace. We know our heroes by the long list of lofty attributes we give them: courage, selflessness, humility, leadership, and honor. In our minds, our heroes are deserving of medals and trophies, ovations and ticker-tape parades, but in reality, we know that to be a genuine hero almost always means that such displays of gratitude and respect are rarely bestowed; and when offered, are reluctantly accepted. Heroes do what they do out of necessity, often out of love, but never for reward.

Who are our heroes? If asked, most of us would name a person we know – a parent, a mentor, a colleague, a friend, a caretaker. Our personal heroes are not usually people we admire from afar and never meet, but rather, by nature of a bond, persons whose accomplishments and sacrifices are well-known to us, persons whose words and actions affect our lives in the most profound, enduring ways.

Here at Roswell Park, we often pay tribute to the simple humanity of our employees – the ordinary people who give the extraordinary both by choice and by chance. Each and every one of the Roswell Park team who walks through our doors – whether doctor or nurse, secretary or scientist, nutritionist or housekeeper, volunteer or security officer – walk out as someone’s special hero.

What brought me to RPCI? The wonderful opportunity to specialize in an Institute with an extraordinary reputation within the medical and public communities.
-an employee in Clinical Genetics Service

What do I like best about my job? The opportunity to communicate with just about everyone at the Institute.
-an employee in Transport Services

I enjoy having an opportunity to help people - some people just need a smile. I don't think that's asking too much.
-an employee in Quality Improvement

If I didn't believe that Roswell Park offers the best care for myself, my family and friends, I wouldn't be working here.
-a physician at RPCI

There is no comparison to the caring attitude of people at Roswell Park.
-a research administrator

I love the opportunities to learn at Roswell Park. I have been an enthusiastic participant in many programs through the years and I encourage others to do so.
-an employee in Social Work & Case Management

I am genuinely proud to work for an institution that my friends, neighbors and business colleagues hold in such high regard.
-an administrator in the Executive Office

I know this sounds like a cliché, but the staff here is the best part of the job.
-an employee in Research Subject Protection

What do I like best about my job? The wonderful patients I get to meet and help every day.
-an employee in Registration Services

Each day, I have another opportunity to meet some of the most generous, courageous and caring individuals I have had the pleasure to know.
-a physician at RPCI

I love growing flowers. They make people smile, and I love the fact that I can make so many people smile. It lightens their burdens, and that makes me smile.
-a "grounds" employee in Engineering & Maintenance

I have the greatest group of co-workers and supervisors who make my job so much easier.
-an employee in Registration Services

What brought me to RPCI? I had two clinical rotations and after 12 weeks of oncology nursing, I knew that there was no other choice for me. The patients were amazing, the nurses were phenomenal, and here I am eight years later.
-a nurse at RPCI

It is the most rewarding feeling to know that my staff and I can make a person’s fight against cancer that much easier.
-an employee in the Call Center

The best thing about my job is working with so many different people and being involved in the decision-making process that makes changes to improve nursing care.
-a nurse at RPCI

I’m here to do everything possible to ensure that Roswell Park is around for another 100 years – providing excellent cancer care.
-an administrator in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

I like working with and for so many wonderful people – knowing that my efforts help wonderful researchers discover answers and cures.
-an employee in Material Management

I think I came to Roswell Park for the same reason that most people did – a belief in and dedication to its mission.
-an employee in the Employee Assistance Program

I enjoy the challenges which present themselves everyday and working with people in developing solutions to problems.
-an employee in Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences

It is rare to encounter a group of people (such as those at RPCI) who are so singly dedicated to the welfare of others.
-an employee in Psychosocial Oncology

The most gratifying aspect of my job is watching young scientists mature and move into independent careers.
-an employee in Educational Affairs

I notice that every Roswell employee is friendly, helpful and appears to enjoy his/her job.
-an employee in Physical Therapy

Roswell Park is the best place in the world to work. I love being here. The people make the place!
-an employee in Public Affairs