Lori Wiener Honored with APOSW's Lifetime Achievement Award
Lori is a true pioneer and champion of psychosocial care for children and adolescents facing cancer and serious illness. For over 40 years, Dr. Wiener has dedicated her life to improving the emotional and psychological well-being of young patients and their families—with compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment. As a highly respected clinical social worker and behavioral scientist, Dr. Wiener has devoted her career to deeply understanding the complex psychosocial experiences of youth living with serious medical conditions. Her work has transformed the clinical practice of pediatric psycho-oncology professionals across the country and the world. In her role as co-director of the Behavioral Health Core and head of the Psychosocial Support and Research Program at the National Institutes of Health’s Pediatric Oncology Program, Dr. Wiener has led groundbreaking clinical research and program development. Her initiatives have tackled some of the most critical issues in pediatric oncology—parental coping, lone parenting, sibling experiences, and end-of-life care planning—with thoughtfulness and innovation. Her passion for healing extends beyond research—Dr. Wiener has created an array of therapeutic resources, including ShopTalk and Voicing My CHOiCES, tools that have empowered children, adolescents, young adults, and their families to express themselves and make their voices heard. Unfortunately, Lori was not able to attend our Atlanta conference, but wanted to share these words in response to her award: "I would not be the person I am today or had been able to do the work I have had the privilege of doing these past few decades without the support, teachings, insights, wisdom and community of other pediatric oncology social workers. I am beyond honored to be bestowed this lifetime achievement award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" |