In his 11 years as a nurse, Caleb Crosier has amassed a wealth of experience. He’s done short-term contracts at different hospitals around the country as a traveling nurse; he’s also worked in a cath lab, where nurses insert heart catheters to assess heart function and treat coronary blockages; he’s even worked in the intensive care unit, helping the sickest patients at the hospital.
As the newest nurse at Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s proton therapy facility, this is Crosier’s first position in an oncology department. But he has plenty of cancer experience.
Crosier went through non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2017 and then a second primary cancer, Ewing sarcoma, in 2023; as a two-time cancer survivor, he knows what it takes to get through cancer.
“My infusion and radiation nurses were my biggest cheerleaders when I was sick,” he said. “Cancer is the worst club to be in, but it has the best members. Now I really enjoy meeting patients here and being their cheerleader. Also, the snacks they bring us are amazing!”
As a nurse at the facility, he educates patients about what to expect during their treatment and provides tips for dealing with treatment side effects. Because he’s experienced radiation treatment himself, Crosier said he’s excited to be able to help patients through proton radiation, which often has fewer side effects.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Crosier moved to Seattle in June with his wife and two children. So far, they are enjoying Washignton’s abundant nature and already have a favorite hike: the Lake 22 trail in Granite Falls, about 90 minutes outside Seattle.
“It has everything,” he said, “There’s the forest, the wildflowers along the way and the mountain reflected in the lake at the end.”
Crosier said he and his wife also love visiting national parks, camping and teaching their kids to appreciate and love the outdoors. When he’s not out in nature, he said, he’s either reading or building LEGOs with the kids.
Please say “hi” to Crosier when you see him at the proton therapy facility, and if you know of any amazing hikes, be sure to let him know!
Are you interested in reprinting or republishing this story? Be our guest! We want to help connect people with the information they need. We just ask that you link back to the original article, preserve the author’s byline and refrain from making edits that alter the original context. Questions? Email us at communications@fredhutch.org
Every dollar counts. Please support lifesaving research today.
