Kimberly Leisure-Jansen

In May 2004, my father was having chest pains while working in his garden. At that time, Dad was approaching 80 years of age and living alone at home. His cath indicated he had multiple coronary arteries with 95-99% occlusion. His quadruple bypass surgery was in early May 2004. After surgery, Dad went to CVICU and this is where the story really begins.

Dad awakened from his anesthetics and was blessed to have Kimberly Leisure-Jansen as his nurse. She quickly attended to his medical needs, while at the same time developed a special relationship with Dad. On that day, he not only received four new vessels in his heart but he received something greater – a new friend for the remainder of his life.

Following discharge from the hospital, Kim and Dad corresponded on a regular basis. Dad enjoyed writing and I could see the joy and excitement Kim brought to his life. This continued for six years until Dad passed in June 2010. We made sure we informed Kim of Dad’s passing and she came to his funeral. During the eulogy, I asked Kim to stand up so I could recognize her role and friendship during the later years of my father’s life. We were blessed to have her in our lives.