Bemi Aluko, RN

I am an autistic adult with CPTSD related, in part, to medical trauma. I spent a week in ortho following a fall that resulted in a complex fracture of my tibial plateau (surgery required) and my clavicle. I felt helpless, was overcome with the sensory overstimulation of a hospital environment, was in pain, and was trying to navigate while on opiates.

Throughout my stay, Bemi was always professional but also remarkably authentic. Because of my neurotype, I can tell when connection is purely superficial and when it is genuine, and she was unfailingly genuine. She made me laugh, put me at ease, and was supportive without ever being patronizing.

One night, I was in a pretty dark place because I felt like I needed more explanation than anyone had time to offer. Bemi pulled a chair next to my bed so that she would not be looking down on me, and she told me firmly and calmly that it was critical for me to advocate for myself. It's my health. My life. My future. It's not rude to make your needs known.

Two days later, she stopped in to say hello even though I was not in one of her rooms. As someone who has been dismissed by many medical professionals in the past, in ways that have compromised my health permanently, I cannot tell you how powerful it was to have someone in the healthcare system not only *see* me, but explicitly tell me that I deserve to be seen.

Bemi's wisdom, compassion, and understanding of the psychological and emotional dimensions of healing are astonishing in someone so young. I am getting better and looking forward to putting this episode behind me, but I will not forget her kindness or the important message she gave me when I badly needed it.