Meet Margaret Nelson. Margaret is the Office Supervisor at our St. Vincent’s location, and she assists in running our Prostate Cancer Support Group. She is an integral part of the UCA family and a familiar face for many of our patients. Learn more about her!

Q: Where are you from?  

A: Birmingham, Iowa

Q: Where did you attend school, high school and beyond?  

A: I went to high school in Keosauqua, Iowa, where we as farm kids rode the school bus.  We went to grade school in the town where we were from, then middle school in another town, on to high school where all the community kids gathered. I just celebrated with my class for our 45th-year reunion this year! For college, I  went to Southeastern Community College for nursing in West Burlington, Iowa.  Later, I went back and studied Chemical Dependency Counseling courses, Art and History. In the future, I would like to go back to college to continue learning and serving people.

Q: How long have you worked at UCA?   

A: It has been 19 ½ years and will be 20 in November.

Q: What is my favorite thing about working at UCA? 

A: The people; I enjoy taking care of patients and helping staff and physicians.  

Q: What would you tell the patient that is nervous about his or her appointment? 

A: I give them reassurance that UCA is quality care.

Q: Do you participate in any volunteer programs?  

A: I helped with several:

• Prostate Cancer Symposium’s
• Hope Gala
• Prostate Cancer Reunion’s
• Relay for Life representing UCA
• Prostate Cancer Bike Race
• Health fairs that patients have asked me to help with representing UCA
• Biker gathering with Dr. Christine in promoting Men’s health
• American Cancer Society Board
• CAN with the American Cancer Society to Lobby for Cancer in Montgomery
• Patient educational events at UCA
• UCA’s Prostate Cancer Support Group since 2002
• Implementing Woman to Woman Support Group in 2004

In my past have volunteered with 2 Iowa Senators re-election, Served on Church Board, Laity Ministry. 

Q: Tell us about your family.  

A: My husband Joe is an Engineer, and, together, we have 6 children:  Jeromy, Aimee’, Joe III, Gregory, Tyler, and Seth. We have 6 grandkids:  Xavior, Xander, Quintin, Nadiya, Jeffery, and David Liam. We have one great granddaughter: Miley   The only pet we have is a duck that lives on the lake, and her name is Diamond. Grandson Xavior plays football for the University of Northern Iowa.  I am the youngest of 11 children.

Q: How do you think your best friend would describe you?  

A: She would describe me as caring, loyal, hardworking, devoted, a good listener, and problem solver… a friend for Life.  In my senior high school yearbook, the staff included a quote about me: “She is sweet and hard to beat.”  

Q: What is your favorite activity?  

A: Relaxing and spending time with Joe, traveling overseas, traveling across the US and  discovering Alabama and its history. I also enjoy cruising in the 55 Chevy.  I am a believer in “Making Today Count” each day.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Birmingham?  

A: Anything Mediterranean; and I do like Newks!

Q: If you could create a dream concert, what would the line up be?  

A: I like the groups Alabama, Chicago, Four Tops…a mix of 40’s- 70’s music with a little country and a little Doo Wop.

Q: Pick a color that describes your personality?  

A: Blue – I think of the peacefulness of the ocean and the sky, feeling of relaxation of the body and soul.

Q: If a movie was being produced about your life, what famous actor or actress would play your character?  

A: Ann Margret

Q: What song do you karaoke to when you’ve alone in your vehicle?  

A: “Fill My Cup, Lord”

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?   

A: As a little girl, wanted to be a ballerina. Through my teen years leading up to graduation, I wanted to be a teacher.  Dance teaches you balance. Teaching is helping others learn. In high school, I was in Future Teachers of America, and one of my projects was going to the elementary school teaching kids to read and write.

Q: If you were stranded on an island and you could only take one object, what would it be?  

A: A rifle with bullets and a sharp bayonet for protection and to make a hut to sleep in.

Q: If you could go back in time and meet one historical figure, who would it be and why?  

A: Eleanor Roosevelt. She was smart, witty, strong-willed, fearless, giving of service, and a pistol packing momma when traveling.

Q: If you had a theme song when you walked in a room, what would it be? 

A: Jefferson Starship’s “Nothing is Going to Stop Us Now”

Q: If you must be an animal, what would you choose? 

A: An Eagle – They soar above the clouds and are brave; they represent America.

Q: If you could trade places with any person in the world for a day, who would it be? 

A: Kathryn Hepburn –  She was smart, witty, funny, and classy dressing.

Wonder Woman – She was full of adventure and doing right.  

Eleanor Roosevelt – A lady of wit, smart, hardworking and endured many things.

Q: Tell us what you love about working with the Prostate Cancer Support Group.   

A: It is my purpose to give a man with prostate cancer, hope and purpose to expand their quality of life matter’s in his survival.