Brian Gonda, BSN

Three years ago, I came to this hospital with horrible stomach pains. They confirmed that I had a bowel blockage, and my intestines had torn, leaving me septic. So, emergency surgery was performed, leaving me with a colostomy.

When I woke, there was my nurse Brian standing there holding my hand, and when the doctor delivered the horrible news to me, I just wanted to die. But Brian wasn’t having anything I said, with his gentle voice, he made me remember the ones I’d leave behind and how much I would be missed. He got me up and walking. He checked on me often, always with his kind smile and words of encouragement.

Now I am back in the hospital with another blockage and two surgeries later, while out on a walk, I saw him! He came to my room to check on me and catch up. My emotions overtook me. As I lay there crying, I told him, God picked you many years ago to do what he is doing now, God sent Brian to be his angel on earth, and God is not disappointed in his choice!

Thank you, Brian, for being my angel and helping me to regain the will to survive.