I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2023. This was an extremely unexpected event after seemingly minor symptoms. While still in shock over the news of cancer, a bone marrow biopsy was ordered by my newly assigned oncologist. Because I work in the arena of medical device engineering, my previous understanding of the procedure was that it was very painful and done without sedation. I therefore arrived at the procedure room extremely apprehensive. I was greeted by the nurse who would perform the procedure, Brittny McCarthy, (at Mayo Clinic Arizona, the bone marrow biopsies are performed by a trained, specialized team of nurses.) I was immediately put at ease, as Brittny described the procedure and assured me that the medication she gave would keep me sedated and that I would neither feel the biopsy nor remember the procedure. Everything played out just as she had described. I was extremely relieved afterward.

Several weeks later, after a month-long hospitalization and chemotherapy, I went back to the Infusion Center to receive a blood transfusion. To my delight, Brittny appeared! Though not assigned to me, she had seen my name on the list of patients and took the time to come talk to me. During this interaction, I explained to her how I had been feeling regarding the AML diagnosis and the uncertainties that went along with the prognosis. Once again, Brittny was extremely reassuring, giving her firsthand experience with caring for other AML patients and seeing many people do well after treatments at Mayo. Prior to Brittny, I had only been given expectations of "just wait and see", and "it's a day-by-day process", and "everyone reacts differently to the treatment so we can't predict how you will do." Brittny's words by contrast were what we desperately needed to hear. My wife and I came to tears because it was Brittny who gave us HOPE.

I am fully aware of the severity of my diagnosis but given that my body has handled the treatments well, I feel it is reasonable to have hope. Brittny affirmed this. Though her technical skills were excellent, it is her attention to my emotional needs that has made such a difference to me. The interactions with Brittny will never be forgotten by myself and my wife, regardless of what my ultimate recovery looks like. Brittny's inspiring words have been integral in my healing, and I will always be so appreciative of her care and concern.