It is with a heavy heart that MOQC lost one of our beloved abstractors, Cindy Straight, February 24, 2022, to her courageous battle with cancer. We celebrate all that Cindy gave the medical world and to others around her with this tribute.

Cindy had a meaningful and impactful career, contributing her skills and knowledge to multiple roles across several health systems. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Madonna University, and after working at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital, went on to earn an associate degree in Radiologic Technology.

She worked as a Business Health Manager of Satellite Operations at Henry Ford Health System’s Horizon Family Medical Center and later joined the Millennium Medical Group in Westland as an Administrator. In 2010, Cindy joined the University of Michigan Cancer Center with a leadership role as a Clinic Coordinator in the clinics for GI and Head and Neck cancers. It was there that she began working on projects with the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium.

Cindy joined MOQC full time in 2018 as a Clinical Data Abstractor, working to improve patient quality of life and care across the State of Michigan. She was engaging with our practices, physicians, and our Patient and Caregiver Oncology Quality Group (POQC). Cindy was hardworking and compassionate, and she motivated others to do their best. She never hesitated to speak up when she knew it would benefit other team members or the consortium.

We already miss hearing Cindy’s stories about her love of life on the farm, raising various animals, taking care of and riding horses, and her favorite pet parrot, Chuck. She talked about fun trips she had taken across the country with her beloved parents, friends, and coworkers, and often shared about her love of cars (and how to properly care for them) and shoes, her love of various restaurants and cuisines, and her favorite television shows and movies.

May Cindy’s memory be eternal. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside her. Cindy will forever be remembered within MOQC.