My brother was transferred by helicopter to Mass General at the start of August as he was very ill on a ventilator. This transfer was his only shot at possible survival. We spent two and half months on Blake 7 hoping with each day that there would be an improvement and a chance for his recovery. Throughout that time, we met and got to know many nurses and physicians all of whom contributed to trying to save my brother's life, and for that, I am grateful to all of them. I am nominating Catherine “Skeeter” today because I feel like she opened her heart to me and felt the pain that I was feeling with me. She did so out of love and compassion unconditionally and that is deserving of this nomination and much more. When you find your loved one in a situation where his or her life hangs in the balance and they are on life support, it is a very grave and vulnerable time. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming and debilitating. Instantly strangers are brought together in the most intimate of ways and in the most desperate of times. All that is important in one’s world is placed in the hands of strangers. You look to them for compassion, knowledge, care, determination, good will, and miracles. You require everything from them. To be their best, to show spirit and belief, and most of all hope. You hang on to every word they say. They do not pass judgment on whether someone is worthy of care, they do not discriminate, they do not consider gender, race, religion, or politics. They immerse themselves in the lives of others; they physically and mentally take on the most challenging of tasks. They fight the battle for life, and they do all this daily for many hours. When you see and feel how freely care is given among strangers the only thing you can do is be humble and grateful for what we all have in our hearts; the ability to care and love. It is unfortunate that this realization is often only appreciated to the degree it should when facing a dire situation. At each visit with each conversation each person who helped my brother is an angel to me. I could not help; I could not do what is required to save him. I am forever indebted to those around my brother who were willing to fight for him. I am forever grateful to the ICU at MGH and especially Skeeter because she touched my heart and gave me comfort where there was little comfort to be found.