For three decades, Tupelo oncology nurse Pam Hodges’ reward has been helping cancer patients live the fullest lives possible.

The American Cancer Society has added its kudos with its most prestigious award for cancer care providers.

The North Mississippi Medical Center nurse was one of 10 oncology professionals from around the country to receive the Lane W. Adams Quality of Life Award in Atlanta on Thursday.

“I haven’t come down to earth yet,” Hodges said Thursday as she traveled to Atlanta for the ceremony.

It’s a calling to care for critically ill cancer patients and their families, and they give her back so much more, she said.

“They fill my cup up when my cup gets empty,” Hodges said.

Elizabeth Fair, who was the American Cancer Society community representative for Lee County before transferring back to her hometown of Meridian, nominated Hodges for the award.

“She truly makes a difference,” Fair said. “She’s the first recipient from the state of Mississippi.”

Hodges was inspired to become an oncology nurse 30 years ago when her childhood baby sitter died of cancer while Hodges was away at college. A youthful enthusiasm to conquer death has been tempered with passion to help her critically ill patients live fully.

“We make every day the best it can possibly be,” Hodges said. “We want to help them live to the end.”

Hodges is one of those nurses who is looking for the extra mile for her patients, said NMMC nurse manager Karen George.

A few years ago, a terminally ill cancer patient wanted to marry her longtime boyfriend before she was released to hospice care, George said. Hodges helped organize the wedding in the hospital chapel and reception on the oncology floor for the couple.

“There’s always something happening like that around Pam,” George said.