To all who had the privilege of knowing her, Kim Huay Ng-Winnicki was a down-to-earth woman who exuded warmth in all that she did. Huay means beautiful flower, and what a beautiful flower she was!
As an oncology nurse at the legacy site of the Royal Victoria Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre for nearly 40 years, Kim dedicated her career to helping cancer patients and their families. She was an exceptional role model to nurses and other healthcare professionals, and a constant source of support and compassion for those in her care. The collaboration she created between the clinical team and families was invaluable, while her laughter, positive demeanor and the beauty she saw in the world around her touched patients and staff alike.
Mama Kim (a term of endearment used by friends and colleagues) was also an incredibly special nurse who left this earth too soon after a brave fight of her own with cancer. March 18th is Kim’s birthday and oncology nurses still acknowledge and celebrate her life every year, convinced that Mama Kim is still present, watching over them. Indeed, Kim also had the incredible capacity to gather people together, from all areas of her life, to enjoy food, if not a Montreal Canadians’ game! A huge fan, everyone who knew her believed she would coach the team one day. We are sure she is still cheering her team on from above!
Kim’s husband, Wojtek, and her family have set up the Kim Winnicki Legacy Fund to make a lasting contribution in Kim’s honour to advance Oncology-Hematology Nursing Education, Research and Practice, including financial support for nurses to attend continuing medical education conferences, workshops and seminars.