I have been using an injectable medication for my end-stage COPD and have been on this medication for over a year. Each year, I must complete paperwork to receive the medication at a reduced cost. My pulmonologist's main office is in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and I submit the paperwork through that office so the referral can be completed and the medication approved.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the ball was dropped, and I did not receive my monthly dose. As a result, I went an entire month without my medication. I called the Outpatient Clinic at MCMH and asked for assistance from the pulmonologist. He stated that he would contact the staff in Council Bluffs, but I still did not receive any results.

I called MCMH again, and Anne Smiley, RN, answered. Anne took charge of the situation, completed the necessary paperwork, and pushed everything through the system to resolve the issue. She kept me informed every step of the way, providing updates on the progress of the paperwork.

Anne even went above and beyond by traveling to my pulmonologist's main clinic in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to obtain a sample of the medication I needed. She then brought it back to Red Oak so I could receive my injection and get back on track with my treatment.

Things are back to normal now, and Anne Smiley, RN, made it all happen. She certainly did not have to make that trip to Council Bluffs, but she did because she genuinely cared about helping me. I believe Anne went above and beyond to resolve my problem, and I am incredibly grateful for her dedication and compassion.