Because she has always been there for her nursing students, they are here for her.
Branden “Brandy” Eggan, Ph.D., began noticing some unusual physical symptoms last year. Eggan, a teaching assistant professor of anatomy and physiology, ate a healthy diet and ran five miles a day, so at the age of 30 she didn’t hear alarm bells right away. To be on the safe side, she went in for a colonoscopy in August. The results were not good. Further tests revealed worse news: stage 4 colon cancer.
“The entire nursing program was devastated,” said Madeline Demers ‘25. “Brandy, as we call her, is not only an amazing professor but a fierce advocate for her students who makes sure we have the support we need to succeed in nursing school.”
Eggan’s diagnosis was a shock, but with her trademark humor and remarkable bravery she is undergoing treatment while continuing to give to her nursing students. To support her health care journey and those of other cancer patients, Siena’s Student Nursing Association held a “Scrubs Fashion Show” fundraiser for colon cancer research on April 7 (see video of the show as part of Saints Go Marching, above). More than $2,000 and counting has been raised for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (The funding page is still open.)
As soon as news of their beloved professor’s diagnosis came out, the SNA began discussing ideas on how to bring the Siena community together to support Eggan and each other. Demers ’25 and Azlyn Belisle ’26 headed up planning for the event, which featured a nursing scrubs fashion show complete with students modeling on a runway, gift basket raffles, and food.
“It was heartwarming to see how many people came out to support Brandy and cancer research!” said Belisle. “We appreciate everyone who supported the fundraiser.”
Eggan, who underwent surgery at Albany Medical Center in February, also shared her gratitude.
“Maddie, Azlyn and the whole nursing department worked so diligently on this event and I was very excited to be there,” she said.
Demers and Belisle are amazed at Eggan’s positivity (she named her tumors and kidney stones) as well as her commitment to her students while she is undergoing treatment.
“She still checks in with all of us and has been doing advising even though she is on medical leave,” said Belisle.
Eggan recalled her job interview at Siena four years ago with Lisa Lally, D.N.S., founding director of the Baldwin Nursing Program. Lally asked her about the concept of “caring science” and what it meant to her.
“Since then, I've learned that this philosophy isn't only at the heart of Siena's nursing program, it also radiates across the entire campus through students, staff and faculty.”
Eggan noted that there has been a lot of information coming out recently about colorectal cancers in younger populations. The New York Times recently addressed the topic in the article More Young People Than Ever Will Get Colorectal Cancer This Year.
Jill Ensminger, Ph.D., R.N., baccalaureate nursing program director, said it was a “blessing” to witness all the students coming together to live out the Siena mission and the caring science philosophy that is at the heart of the College’s nursing program.
“The event was fully created by students and demonstrated commitment to the Siena community and love for the faculty,” said Ensminger. “It has been a beautiful experience to see how the students rally around those who need a little extra love and care. We will continue to keep the energy from this event alive as we support Brandy in her journey, and we hope this event inspires all to care for those around you.”
