From Nurse to Patient….Meet Michelle Grijalva, BSN, RN!

Michelle is an OB-GYN nurse of Guatemalan descent, proud NAHN-Illinois member, DNP candidate, and breast cancer survivor.

We are also proud to celebrate Michelle as a recipient of the Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award! She is currently a DNP student, preparing to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and continuing her commitment to advancing women’s health.

On September 30, 2025, Michelle’s life changed when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. As both a nurse and a patient, she found herself experiencing healthcare from an entirely new perspective. From that moment, she made it her mission to find her voice, share her journey, educate others, and spread breast cancer awareness—especially within Hispanic/Latina communities.

Join NAHN-Illinois for From Nurse to Patient: My Breast Cancer Journey and Life After Cancer, an important conversation about breast cancer types, risk factors, signs and symptoms, knowing your body, seeking timely care, life after treatment, and the lessons Michelle hopes every woman will take to heart.

Continuing Education Credits Pending

Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that awareness, education, self-advocacy, and timely care matter. Join us as we learn from her experience and continue raising awareness together.

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