Andy has always been recognized as a stellar nurse and a huge advocate for his and all patients at The Christ Hospital. I'm sure so many people who have been fortunate enough to work with him can recall a time when Andy demonstrate those characteristics. I recently was consulted on an issue by Andy's manager that I believe is an excellent demonstration of his commitment to the profession of nursing, patient and family-centered care, and an amazing demonstration of the TCH Core Values.

I received an e-mail from his manager. She asked if I had any suggestions referring to an e-mail chain that was attached to her comments. The preceding e-mails represented several days of work where Andy had begun a benevolent search for a head turban for a cancer patient whom he had cared for. The patient was balding from her treatments, was trached, and had a colostomy as well. She asked him if he would be able to provide her with a covering for her head. Over the next few days, Andy sent and received e-mails from several people including pastoral care, the cancer center, and finally his manager. It was unfortunate that even with this level of attention, the search for a head covering was not successful. His final e-mail to his manager was more than a request, it was a challenge that only a true professional, someone who has total respect for life and self-worth, would make.

I am grateful to be working in an institution that has professionals like Andy working next to me daily. Although it has been many years since I have had the honor to provide direct care to patients, I am so proud and comforted to know that the nurses that I serve have the compassion and leadership to step up and ask for us to always try to do better. Please consider my request that Andy's actions are exemplary examples of our Core Values, and the extraordinary care he provides for our patients every day.