We have been dealing with M's prostate cancer for the last 6 years. About three years ago we decided to find a specialist that could truly treat and educate us about prostate cancer. You see M was diagnosed with prostate cancer and with surgery was able to eradicate it. But with that came complications and then the return of the cancer itself. We were able to get into Dr. W's practice which is probably the chance of winning the local lottery since he was the head administrator and still saw patients. We would go into his office prepared with our notebook, our list of questions, our overwhelming emotional issues about everything happening, and our concerns. We wanted the best options, the best treatment, and the best medical staff. Well, you bet Dr. W was the very best, but what you might not know is his nurse, Chanella, is also the very best of nurses we have ever had in our lifetime and we are in our 60's and 70's.

Chanella is the essence of compassion, education, kindness, honesty, guidance, and suggestions. She's the evaluator of our overall well-being facing incurable cancer. She is our voice getting our biggest concerns addressed to Dr. W. She knows we get overwhelmed, not able to express our thoughts and fears as well once the great Dr. W is present. She guides our expression of needs to Dr. W. She knows how to sort the wheat from the chaff. She is a master of communication and has mastered the ability to read the needs of her patients. She knows how to calm fear but not avoid the real topic of cancer and its act of destroying lives. She found ways to help us explain the entire situation without adding a ton of extra information. She guided us to sort out what was fear and confusion and emotion so we could absorb the facts and the options presented. She was the best counselor, the best listener, and the best support anyone could be. She was honest when asked questions nobody could answer for sure. She was honest when the information was devastating. She was honest with us about complications and treatments. She told us stories and built our confidence in dealing with cancer and communicating what we needed.

Chanella has a gift. She is warm, thoughtful, genuine, eager to help, and always present when talking to her. She has no computer to distract her because she has a way of getting information and writing it down without making you feel like you are unimportant or a waste of her time. She really has talent and a God-given gift of calming, loving, caring, sharing, and holding you in a sense of hope, but realistic hope. You will find none like her. She is one of a kind. Wherever her job takes her with the leaving of Dr. W, may it bring her happiness and joy. However, I hope it allows her to continue to use her extraordinary skills of compassion and guidance.

Our family is very grateful for the years we shared with Chanella. She was the guiding light for us. Thank you dear nurse for being all that you could be for those who came into your contact. You have been blessed and chosen and while your work might be overwhelming and tiresome, know there must be a place in Heaven ready for you. Thank you!