GREENWOOD -- As tenets of the nursing profession, compassion and care are two of the most important qualities nurses have to soothe and comfort their patients everyday. And now, students in Lander University's Department of Nursing are using those same qualities to offer support for a classmate facing recovery from a serious illness.

After learning that junior nursing major Meghan Hawley of Orangeburg was diagnosed with a brain tumor and would have to undergo surgery, a group of nursing students -- including Hawley's roommate, Jennifer Smith of Union, and Smith's boyfriend, Jason Watters of Union -- delivered the shocking news to their classmates and professors. As they heard of Hawley's ordeal, those students and professors began making donations to help the 20-year-old and her family with living and medical expenses.

"Meghan has been a great roommate and friend, and she has a terrific personality," Smith said. "When people found out about what she's going through, they really wanted to help out."

Within the span of a few days in early February, the students had raised more than $900 from the nursing department alone and another $1,373 from other groups including Upstate churches, Watters said. Lander's nursing faculty also created a hospital survival kit of snacks, drinks and other essentials for recovery. Smith and Watters presented the funds and supplies to Hawley's parents Feb. 12, as Hawley prepared to enter surgery at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C.

"We were very moved by the support from Meghan's friends. The students and staff at Lander have been so wonderful," said Hawley's mother, Lita Hawley. "Meghan is very thankful for everything that has been done. As a parent, it certainly helps when you know so many people care about your child."

Lander nursing instructor Leslie Myers called the show of support both overwhelming and inspiring.

"Meghan is an outstanding student and is dedicated to becoming a nurse," Myers said. "I have seen her commitment and her effortless caring for patients, and I can honestly say she will make an excellent nurse.

"She is a gift to this profession, and it was truly touching to see the outpouring of support for her."

Following her surgery, doctors discovered Hawley's tumor was cancerous, and she will have to undergo additional treatment in the coming months. As a result, the nursing students decided to continue their efforts to help the Hawley family with their unexpected expenses.

The group held a benefit bake sale for Hawley on Feb. 20 at Lander, followed by a benefit karaoke event at the department's nursing social. The group is also selling T-shirts printed with Hawley's initials and "Pray for Meghan," with proceeds going to Hawley's family.

An additional $2,390 was raised at the event, Watters said, with more funds possibly on the way. Donations to benefit Hawley can still be mailed to the Lander University Department of Nursing, attention Meghan Hawley.

"The support was truly amazing," Watters said. "We were able to raise more than we ever expected. Even students and faculty who didn't know Meghan or weren't involved with the nursing program came out to help."

The nursing student body has "really embraced the idea of helping Meghan," said Lander nursing instructor Leisa Igleheart. "These students have shown how nursing is a profession of caring. This sense of family is our strength at Lander. It is what truly defines our program and our university."

Hawley is now at home with her family and feeling well, friends said, and her classmates and instructors are eagerly awaiting her return to Lander.

"We all miss her so much, and we are praying hard for her full recovery," said nursing major Amber Lee of Gray Court. "Meghan has been a wonderful classmate and friend over the past two years. She is one you can expect to have a smile on her face no matter what is going on.

"Even through all the adversity she has faced, she has kept a positive outlook on everything."

Candace Gambrell, a classmate and nursing major from Honea Path, agreed.

"Meghan encourages and lifts up others with her smile and thoughtfulness," Gambrell said. "She is the most optimistic person I know, and she never lets her emotions get the best of her.

"She is a wonderful, kind girl who has the heart of a fighter and is a survivor."

For more information, e-mail Watters at jwatters@student.lander.edu, call Lander University's Department of Nursing at 864-388-8337 or visit www.lander.edu.

Special to The T&D

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