While going to the Ralph Powell Clinic for my prenatal and postpartum appointments, Brandi was the only person in that entire office who consistently remembered my name and pronounced it correctly every time. This was a big deal to me because, as an immigrant, this is a microaggression that I experience daily.

I had employees consistently mispronounce my name even after I corrected them, or they would simply say, "Your name is just too hard. Do you have another name you go by?" While this may not seem like a huge deal to some people, it meant everything to me, especially while I was postpartum and struggling with postpartum depression.

This was only the beginning of what made Brandi stand out among all the people I encountered throughout my prenatal care, labor, and postpartum journey. I was really struggling with the adjustment to becoming a first-time mom, and my emotional and mental health were suffering. I was not in a good place. Brandi saved my life.

First, she looked me in the eyes and told me that I was not alone or crazy for feeling the way I did. She shared pieces of her own experience in a way that made me feel truly seen, heard, and understood.

She also went above and beyond to make sure I was able to connect with the social workers I had been trying unsuccessfully to reach ever since being discharged from the hospital. She provided resources to help me find a therapist and even followed up with me afterward. She gave me the extra push I needed to keep fighting for access to therapy, and in doing so, she helped me keep fighting to live.

My story could have been very different if I had not crossed paths with Brandi during one of the most vulnerable times of my life. She is an amazing nurse, an incredible human being, and a fierce advocate for her patients.

Shortly after I returned to work from maternity leave, I unexpectedly ran into her on my home unit. I was thrilled to learn that she was joining our team. We are so fortunate to have her as one of our nurses.

She is an exceptional nurse, and her positive energy is truly radiant and contagious. Anytime I need a pick-me-up during my workday, all I have to do is stop by the nursery to see her. She has such a positive outlook on life and the brightest smile.

Brandi, thank you for quite literally saving my life. I will always be grateful for you.