It is tough to say goodbye to a wonderful friend and highly respected colleague, but that’s what the team at ARO are doing this week. Radiation therapist, Tracey Gray, is leaving the place she describes as her ‘work home’ after 16 years. As one of ARO's original radiation therapists, Tracey has become an integral part of the team, who describe her as "nothing short of inspiring."

Tracey started in radiation therapy after her mum, an ICU nurse, met a radiation therapist at a conference and immediately thought of her. She was spot on! Tracey says she loves the challenge of getting the treatment perfect for each individual, while also getting to know the people she is treating. As she’s become more experienced in her role, Tracey has found she can invest more in getting to know patients. She feels there is no greater compliment than when patients ask “will you be here tomorrow?”, knowing that her presence will help ease their treatment, or when they thank her for taking the time to talk and answer their questions.

One of Tracey’s many roles at ARO was serving as the clinical tutor, where her exceptional training skills have been described as ‘second to none’. Through training others, Tracey has passed on her deep technical knowledge as well as her personal approach to the role. Her training influenced a new generation of radiation therapists, who are now positively contributing to our health system or working abroad sharing the knowledge even further. Tracey has continued to be a mentor throughout her tenure at ARO.

Since ARO opened its doors in 2008, Tracey has been a vital part of the team. She reflects on her time there, saying she feels like she has “grown up” at ARO. As she prepares to leave, she knows she’ll miss the familiar faces and the daily conversations that made each workday special. Tracey says ARO has been like her family. “ARO has been like a family to me. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported and invested in me during my time here. I also care deeply for the many patients who have touched my life.”

Before departing, Tracey chose to be photographed alongside a print donated by a former patient who had a long journey with ARO. The print serves as a reminder of the deep connections Tracey has formed with her patients and the care she has always shown.

Anna O’Connell – ARO Operations Manager, has worked closely with Tracey for the last 12 years. She says “Tracey always gets things done, she is incredibly loyal, and has great patient care. She has been an all-round treatment legend and a great role model.”

The team at ARO will miss Tracey as she embarks on a new chapter in Hawkes Bay, and hope to see her walk back through the ARO doors one day in the future. Kia ora Tracey, your contributions have been truly invaluable!