February Ambassador strives to pass on same compassion others have shown for her

Feb. 2, 2026 -- When it comes to patient care, Abby Koons draws on her own experiences in some of life's most trying moments.

A nurse practitioner at the Reid Cancer Center, she tries to emulate those things that meant the most to her when family members were dealing with an illness.

"I remember the friendly faces of the healthcare workers, the compassion they provided to my family and myself, and even the little gestures that most people don't think would matter," said Reid Health's Ambassador for the month of February.

"I hope and pray I'm paying all of that forward to my patients and their families because those little things are what my family and I still think about and are so thankful for."

Koons has worked in healthcare for more than 30 years, with nearly all that time in oncology. She began her career at Reid as a radiology transporter before becoming a nurse.

After spending some time at another healthcare facility, she returned to Reid in 2018.

"I feel like Reid is like family," Koons said. "I have people who I worked with years ago and haven't seen in a while who still feel like family and like we've not been apart. I feel like Reid encourages that we're a team.

"I love spending time with patients getting to know them and not just their disease. I love listening to them and hearing their thoughts, questions, and concerns and then being able to provide answers and hopefully peace and comfort to those patients and their families."

Co-workers praise Koons' ability to connect with those she cares for.

"Abby is an amazing nurse practitioner who goes above and beyond for her patients," one person said. "She's very knowledgeable, and I feel you can always reach out to her about anything. I truly enjoy being on the same team with her."

"She has taken on a lot of extra work triaging new referrals and taking on patients," another person said. "She has a great rapport with her patients as well."

"I remember the friendly faces of the healthcare workers, the compassion they provided to my family and myself, and even the little gestures that most people don't think would matter. I hope and pray I'm paying all of that forward to my patients and their families because those little things are what my family and I still think about and are so thankful for." -- Abby Koons, NP-C, Reid Cancer Center

A native of Lynn, Indiana, Koons still lives there with her husband, Jeff. She has three children (Amanda, Brittany, and Trey) and six grandchildren (Braelee, Sophie, Kaison, Lincoln, Bryndle, and Abriella).

When she's not working, Koons likes to sing and write poetry. She also loves being outdoors, watching hummingbirds when it's warm, snorkeling, fishing, hiking Hocking Hills, and spending time with her family, "especially watching the grandkids play sports since I'm too old to play."

An avid fan of Indiana University sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and U.S. Nationals drag racing, she and Jeff also have volunteered with the Indianapolis Sports Corp., helping with visitor activities for men's and women's NCAA Final Fours, the Super Bowl, Big Ten championships, and more.

"I'd like to say thank you to everyone involved in this - my family, co-workers, and team at the Cancer Center," Koons said. "This isn't an individual award. It's because of and for an entire team that includes my awesome family and my awesome co-workers and support staff.

"I can do what I do because of each and every one of them. I'm so thankful for all of them! I also give all glory and honor to God for every good and perfect gift!"