Support for patients, caregivers, and clinicians

A Brighter Way to Navigate Cancer

with Courtney Desy

I’m Courtney Desy—an oncology infusion nurse, author, and educator. This space brings my clinical work, writing, and advocacy together to help patients, caregivers, and clinicians navigate cancer care with clarity, steadiness, and compassion.

I spend my days caring for people receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. I created this site to extend that support beyond the clinic—into the moments between visits, when questions are quiet and reassurance matters most.

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What You’ll Find Here:

Patient &
Caregiver Guides
Articles
& Media
Speaking &
Workshops
Stronger Than
Chemo Foundation
Stronger Than Chemo™

A Guide to Cancer Treatment
That Patients Can Actually Use

Stronger Than Chemo™ is a nurse-led guide designed to help patients and caregivers navigate cancer treatment with clarity, confidence, and steadiness.

Written by a practicing oncology infusion nurse, the book translates what is taught in clinic into practical, safety-focused guidance patients can use at home—before, during, and between treatments.

Clinically grounded and deeply human, Stronger Than Chemo prepares readers for treatment days, explains complex information in plain language, and supports both the body and the emotional experience of care.

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This well-written masterpiece explores the intricacies of the journey through cancer care and provides exceptional information to help each patient.

Shyam A. Patel, Ph.D

UMASS, Worcester, MA

Courtney is the Founder and Executive Director of the

Stronger Than Chemo™ Foundation

A Massachusetts nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing patients and caregivers with evidence-based education, digital tools, and safety resources.

What We Do:

1

Expand patient guides across cancer centers

2

Provide healing programs for patient’s and caregivers.

3

Secure grants to donate educational books to hospitals and patients

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Endorsements

  • “Courtney guides readers through diagnosis, treatment decisions, and daily challenges in a way that reduces fear and builds confidence in language that is easy to understand.”
    Dr. Cachia
    UMASS, Worcester, MA
  • “Through patient stories, practical advice, and writing prompts, patients and caregivers are compassionately guided
    through the ups and downs of oncology care.”
    Allison J. Applebaum, Ph.D
    Mount Sinai, New York
  • “It is an amazing book that covers the whole person – from essential information about treatment, management of physical problems, but also caring for the whole person.”
    Betty Ferrell PhD
    City of Hope, CA
  • “It is easy-to-read and written by an experienced oncology nurse. It offers advice and insight for cancer patients and their caregivers before, during and after treatment.”
    Tzafra Tessier, PA-C
    UMASS, Worcester, MA

Meet Courtney Desy

ONCOLOGY INFUSION NURSE I AUTHOR I EDUCATOR I ADVOCATE

Background

I combine clinical expertise with a calm, grounded approach to patient education.

I’ve administered thousands of infusions, supported families through some of their hardest moments, and dedicated my career to improving clarity, safety, and empowerment in cancer care.

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Credentials & Licensure

  • Registered Nurse, Massachusetts
  • Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Be In Touch!

For speaking, media, foundation inquiries, or general questions, Courtney welcomes thoughtful connection from patients, caregivers, clinicians, and educators.

Guides, Tools & Support

Invaluable Resources

Patient Guides & Checklists

Clear, compassionate guides that simplify treatment, side effects, and safety steps so patients feel prepared and supported at every stage.

Articles & Writing

Insightful, evidence-based articles by Courtney that educate, encourage, and bring clarity to key topics in cancer care and nursing.

Caregiver Tools

Practical tools that help caregivers stay organized and confident, with guidance on communication, symptom tracking, and daily care.

Media Requests

A straightforward space for journalists and organizations to request interviews, expert commentary, or collaboration with Courtney.

Speaking, Workshops
& Education

Patient communication workshops

University speaker engagements

Oncology nursing education

Navigating difficult conversations

Resilience & emotional steadiness in healthcare

Thoughtful, evidence-based talks on resilience, communication, and the nurse–patient relationship.

Courtney presents to healthcare teams, nursing students, conferences, and patient support groups.

She has applied to TEDx Babson College, offering a talk centered on presence, compassion, and human connection in oncology care

Book Courtney

Infused With Care
Competence, Confidence, Compassion

A professional guide to the heart, science, and ethics of infusion nursing.

An evidence-based guide for oncology nurses, Infused with Care combines clinical standards and practical wisdom to support safe, confident, and compassionate cancer care.

From Courtney’s Desk

Stories, Reflections, and Insights

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Newsletter

From My Desk to Your Inbox

I share patient tools, articles, and updates on my work—along with early access to new resources from the Stronger Than Chemo™ Foundation.