April 2026 Honoree
Abigail Tonkery, BSN, RN
I would like to recognize Abby for her extraordinary care and compassion during my stay.
My daughter and I were visiting Chicago from Michigan for her spring break from college and her birthday. I had a persistent nosebleed during our stay, which led us to the emergency room at Northwestern Medicine. After hours of waiting and speculation, I was diagnosed with APL leukemia. I was immediately admitted to Prentice Women’s Hospital and told I would likely be there for a minimum of 10 days and more likely up to a month for my treatment to be completed.
Abby was just coming on shift when I arrived in my room. My daughter had made the decision to stay in my room with me, as we were both still dealing with this confusing and devastating news. Abby took great care to comfort both of us during the first hours of our new reality.
What we found extremely thoughtful and compassionate was that Abby took it upon herself to make a birthday card for my daughter and had the entire floor sign it. Abby also gathered all of the available nurses and techs to come sing "Happy Birthday" to her at midnight as she turned 20.
This alone should set Abby apart, but I had the pleasure of having her as a nurse more than a handful of times during my stay. Each encounter was extraordinary in professionalism and compassion. She always took care to explain my treatments and medications and answer any questions I/we had.
I would love to see Abby recognized and rewarded for her work. I had many different nurses over the course of my treatment, and they were all outstanding, so to say that Abby stood out is a true testament to her work ethic, compassion, and understanding of my/our situation.
My daughter and I were visiting Chicago from Michigan for her spring break from college and her birthday. I had a persistent nosebleed during our stay, which led us to the emergency room at Northwestern Medicine. After hours of waiting and speculation, I was diagnosed with APL leukemia. I was immediately admitted to Prentice Women’s Hospital and told I would likely be there for a minimum of 10 days and more likely up to a month for my treatment to be completed.
Abby was just coming on shift when I arrived in my room. My daughter had made the decision to stay in my room with me, as we were both still dealing with this confusing and devastating news. Abby took great care to comfort both of us during the first hours of our new reality.
What we found extremely thoughtful and compassionate was that Abby took it upon herself to make a birthday card for my daughter and had the entire floor sign it. Abby also gathered all of the available nurses and techs to come sing "Happy Birthday" to her at midnight as she turned 20.
This alone should set Abby apart, but I had the pleasure of having her as a nurse more than a handful of times during my stay. Each encounter was extraordinary in professionalism and compassion. She always took care to explain my treatments and medications and answer any questions I/we had.
I would love to see Abby recognized and rewarded for her work. I had many different nurses over the course of my treatment, and they were all outstanding, so to say that Abby stood out is a true testament to her work ethic, compassion, and understanding of my/our situation.
Thank you, Abigail, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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