In September 2009, my father was admitted to S5 post-surgery. The news was not good. We thought he was going in for a routine gall bladder surgery (he had recently finished chemo and radiation for cancer). Unfortunately, the cancer had spread and we were told he had weeks to live. Dad spent about 10 days on South 5 and there was a nurse that stood out as the definition of compassion. His name is Chris West.

My father was always glad to have Chris as his nurse. Chris went outside the normal routines of care to allow my family and my father to spend time crying and laughing. We are a crazy bunch and I am sure he walked by the room to do something and heard our shenanigans and just walked away. He was always there to make sure Dad was comfortable and didn't make him do things he was "suppose" to do; unless absolutely necessary.

I am a nurse, but at that time, I was a daughter and was grateful that Dad was in such competent, caring hands. I remember my family was so grateful when Chris was there, because it allowed us to take breaks. When it was time to move Dad home to hospice, Chris was there to help Dad make the transition because he trusted this nurse. I will never forget what Chris did for Dad as well as our family. I have always wanted him to receive recognition in some way, and am thankful for this opportunity.