My dad has esophageal cancer and died in 2022. He fought a good fight, and we had good success at treating it until we didn't. He was a really tough person, and I don't think we all knew how bad things were. My dad was reluctant to start Hospice because he was not ready to die, but things finally got bad enough that he consented to Hospice.

When Anna arrived, she took in the whole situation in an instant. Her expertise and years of experience informed her actions. She gave excellent nursing care. She understood his and my family's needs instantly. Because I am a nurse, she could communicate with me on that level and switch her communication with my family, so all our needs were met. She spent extra time with my dad to make sure he was as comfortable as he could be. She made sure all the medications were available for his comfort and made sure we felt comfortable with what we were giving. He was entering the stage where he was restless and so uncomfortable. With her guidance, the medication he was given helped him to rest that night, all night. It was probably the best rest he had had in a long, long time. She warned us that after the visit from family friends the next day, there likely would be a change for the worst, and indeed, there was.

I am a nursing professor and have been for many years. I cannot stress enough what it takes in knowledge and skill as a nurse to do all the things Anna did for my family and my dad. I am not easy on nurses, nor do I lightly give praise at this level. Anna deserves to be recognized for her compassion, skill, and knowledge. OSF is lucky to have her. She holds the mission of OSF to the highest standard. The end of my dad's life was very difficult for him and for all of us. I cannot imagine if we had not had Anna there to guide us at the end of this journey. It made all the difference in the world.