I was a patient in the ICU for three weeks during the month of August. I came to Mount Carmel East (MCE) after going into cardiac arrest in a nearby town, and soon after arrival to the emergency room, I needed CPR two more additional times. I was given TPA in the ER and soon after put on ECMO. The medical team quickly came to the conclusion that I suffered from a pulmonary embolism and needed to go into surgery immediately. Given the trauma that my body had already endured, the team did not give me a high rate of survival.

Britt Beglin was my nurse on duty in the ICU for several shifts during my 21-day stay at MCE. Due to the stress that ECMO and TPA had on my body that first evening, other complications arose, needing additional surgery on my liver to happen concurrently. Britt was on shift during my first two evenings at MCE, and they were grueling physically, to say the least. Blood and liquids needed to be controlled, and in all 114 units of blood were used on me, with Britt caring for me as her only patient during that time of trauma. From what I can understand, she was constantly on the go, constantly changing blood bags and monitoring my critical situation, never stopping. She would not stop working during her shift, not willing to take a break.

The most amazing part of her work was how Britt showed her humanity and went the extra mile. Britt informed, updated, and checked on my husband at each opportunity possible, always asking if there was anything he needed anytime she passed him as she worked. Britt did all she could, helping and giving in every way possible, showing love through her actions. My husband describes Britt: "Britt was obviously very busy during those first evenings. She was non-stop the entire shift, and yet calm and cool in the midst of the chaos of all that was happening in the room. Her demeanor within a critical setting provided a bit of hope to me."

Later in that week, Britt encouraged and finally convinced my husband to go home to get sleep so that he could be strong for me in the days ahead, promising to call if my status changed in any way. Although he was apprehensive to go, my husband left the hospital late at night. Before he fell asleep, Britt contacted him with the good news that I was moving both sides of my extremities.

In the days and weeks ahead, Britt would check on both me and my husband in the ICU before she went home, ask about my family, check on my emotional health, share pictures, and even braid my hair. Her positive energy made me look forward to every interaction I had with her. She was one of the angels that had a big hand in my miraculous recovery, helping to save my life. Her name will always be said with a smile on our faces.