Frances Canchola
With great sadness, the USC CRS and ACTG Network mourn the loss of Frances Canchola, RN. Frances had been a research nurse in the unit since January 1994. She joined us in the pre-HAART era and was a tremendous contributor to trials of disseminated MAC treatment. Frances was there with us and her patients as we transitioned into a period where HIV was no longer a progressive, fatal disease. Over the years she contributed to countless clinical trials in the ACTG. Frances was active in her role right up to the point when she was diagnosed with COVID-19 in November 2020 and ultimately succumbed to its complications in January 2021 after a prolonged hospitalization.
Frances was a bright light in the lives of her patients and co-workers and always willing to learn new tasks. Her sense of humor was remarkable and uplifting to those around her. Frances was able to support many patients and co-workers with her bright personality. When out for dinner, we could always count on Frances to be the instigator for a round of hilarity. We, and her patients, will miss her tremendously but feel so grateful for having known her.