I’m sorry this has taken so long for me to write, we have had quite a busy and “up & down” few months. My mother-in-law (for whose care I am writing about in this nomination), DR, was suddenly diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian cancer on August 29, 2011 in our own Winchester Medical Center Emergency Department. It hit us hard as we had no signs pointing to this in the several weeks she had symptoms. We had just had our second appointment with the UVA GYN oncologist and had verified the location of the tumors and her chemo plan. Unfortunately my mother-in-law became ill again with nausea and vomiting which she had been fighting for the past two weeks since our first UVA appointment. We came back to the ED and had an awful waiting experience. Upon my mother-in-law arriving to her ED room, we had a slight decrease in anxiety, but my mother-in-law’s discomfort continued…then Carrie came in.

She was warm and friendly, and directly informed the physician of the need for anti-nausea meds, which she gave my mother-in-law immediately upon receipt of the order. Carrie was attentive and supportive. She sat with my mother-in-law and myself in the ED room, and comforted us with heartfelt stories and further with scripture (she actually asked my mother-in-law if she would like to share scripture before starting, Carrie remained professional and considerate of our needs). I could tell my mother-in-law was starting to relax and come to a better mental place. She had been going to many appointments over the past week and we were still coming to terms with her diagnosis and questionable prognosis. Carrie’s words and physical presence centered us. She was able to help my mother-in-law fall asleep. She was finally sleeping peacefully and comfortably.

Carrie then turned her attention to me. She took a motherly role and acknowledged my stress, fatigue and worry (over both my mother-in-law and caring for my young children). She gently ordered me to rest (as it was near midnight) and designed a “bed” for me out of 2 bedside chairs. Found me two pillows (which is a great feat in the ED) and covered me in a warm blanket. Her caring attitude and intuitiveness towards specific needs (especially spiritual) of my mother-in-law and me will NEVER be forgotten.

I think about Carrie at every doctor’s appointment or discussion ie: my mother-in-law’s diagnosis (she has completed her course of chemo and is having RFA treatment to the liver tumors as I write this). Our fight is not over, but Carrie helped us through a very difficult early stage of this battle and we will be forever grateful. You were an outstanding light in a dreary world. You are a DAISY.