Brad Gabel, BSN RN

I am not sure if he is still in this position, but I was in the OR for a D&C nearly two years ago. I had just been told the day prior I had miscarried -- with no symptoms -- at 14 weeks into my first, and to date only, pregnancy. With it being a holiday, and the last day of the insurance year, things were busy and I was grateful to be given a space.

I did not realize what the DAISY Award was until recently, thanks to a friend in the field, and hearing about them let me know Bradley absolutely deserves one.

This was the worst day of my life, both emotionally and physically. Bradley was the first (and only) male nurse I had through the process, and he was also by far the most compassionate. Where others needed to rush in and rush out, verify and reverify and verify some more the purpose of my surgery, what I was having done, Bradley acknowledged it immediately, shared with me -- gently and slowly -- what had happened in the OR, and created as safe a space as he could given the circumstances. While you might read this and initially think "oh, that's a function of the part in the process he serves," I would argue he went above and beyond for me.

He normalized my sadness, validated my pain, and let me know I had thrown up upon coming out of anesthesia (which might lead to a sore throat) and that I had lost more blood than expected, so we were waiting to know if I would need a higher level of care. And again, while that is normal, the calm tone he used, the stories he shared, and his actions meant everything.

I remember waking up in tears -- not just from pain, but from knowing I was no longer carrying my child against my will. He crafted a hood for me out of blankets, shielding me from the bright overhead lights, and giving me privacy that is not often afforded in the recovery area of the OR. He brought me fresh, warm blankets and kept me exceptionally updated as to what he was doing in regard to medication management, wound care, and follow-up. He was intentional, calm, and humanizing in a day that had felt anything but.

He held a cup of water up just so I could drink as I tolerated it. He gave me as much quiet as he could, while doing his job carefully, competently, and well.

I have had three other surgeries in my life (in different hospitals, and for different reasons), and Bradley's care is the only care I have ever remembered so vividly, and for so long. His kindness, care, and passion were not lost on me, and though I still grieve the loss of my little one, he has been such a bright spot in the process.

Thank you so much for your care and support on the worst day of my life, it has meant everything.