Robin Bennett Kanarek Email & Phone Number

Robin Bennett Kanarek is a registered nurse, educator, and passionate advocate for palliative care. As founder and president of the Kanarek Family Foundation, she helps health care providers increase their awareness and understanding of palliative care and its benefits to patients with serious illnesses or complex, chronic health conditions.Robin's many roles in educating healthcare professionals on the vital role palliative care for those who are dealing with a serious illness stems from the loss of her 15-year-old son, David, to leukemia in 2000. He was 10 when he was initially diagnosed and relapsed after four years in remission. Following his death, Robin’s family decided to relocate to England as a way to privately heal. Two years later, she became involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust in London helping other parents whose teens were going through the horrific experience of coping with cancer. She volunteered and fundraised for the organization in addition to presenting at the Royal College of Physicians’ Third International Conference on Adolescent Oncology. It was there that Robin realized she had a vital voice as a mother, nurse, and educator. She soon reconnected with her alma mater, Fairfield University School of Nursing, and began her journey to learn everything there was on palliative care to rectify what her son lacked when he was so ill. Although his medical care was excellent, David did not receive the emotional, psychological, or spiritual support he needed—which are the critical tenets of palliative care.The Kanarek Family Foundation, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2006 and since its inception, has benefited many hospitals, universities, and children’s organizations. Robin is an experienced public speaker and has been published in many prestigious peer-reviewed medical and nursing journals.In April 2023, Robin's first book was launched by Johns Hopkins University Press and entitled, Living Well with a Serious Illness: A Guide to Palliative Care for Mind, Body, and Spirit. The purpose of writing this book was to educate the general public on the vital role of palliative care for those suffering from a serious illness or multiple chronic illnesses. One can live many years with a serious illness, but it requires an interdisciplinary team approach to receive support and guidance for improved quality of life. The book can be ordered through Amazon.