Christopher Zych is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, highly skilled, and demonstrates care beyond excellence. He is a marvelous person and caregiver with a humorous side and a continuously positive attitude that helps the stress of my circumstances be more tolerable. You see, I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides and I was given 5 years to live. However, I will be celebrating 11 years of my life.

Although I know it is faith that has sustained me, I also know that my team at PIH is so great and has contributed to my success as well. Christopher Zych is an amazing nurse. He knows how to handle each and every situation that has come up during the past six years. We have had allergic reactions, problems with my breathing, bleeding, pain, hospitalizations, etc. Each and every time something has come up Christopher has handled it with grace and professionalism. His ability to help keep patients calm is exactly what we need. He is always aware of the surroundings and changes within the patient (me).

In my situation, he knows exactly what I need and when I need it and it’s always pre-prepared. For me, it’s not just about what hospital you go to or what doctor you see but whom you see and how you’re treated not just as a patient but as a person. Christopher has been so supportive with not just the physician but with the psychological and emotional issues that come up during treatment. I truly feel that our nurses are not given the credit that they truly deserve. I have been to other hospitals, but Christopher J. Zych is definitely one of a kind.

Chris has a great understanding of illness and how it affects patients and that at times it can be devastating to us. He always provides patient care with a listening ear, comfort, Kleenex, and positive support. Christopher J. Zych is an example of extraordinary commitment. He is caring, resourceful, always happy to help, and always performs above and beyond what can be expected.

I remember one time it was one of the first times in fact that I got hospitalized I was getting cancer pain attacks and they were so bad, and it was one of those moments when you as a patient you just kind of feel lonely and sad because you know you can’t even hug your kids or your husband. But there was Chris…He came after work to cheer me up and he brought me a card and I was just so taken aback. I remember thinking: “Who does that? Who comes after working such a long day with patients to go and visit a patient just to cheer her up!” That’s the kind of nurse Chris is.

Chris holds a very special place in my heart. If I need to cry he’s there with Kleenex, If I need to get sick he’s there with the container, if I start feeling funny he checks me for my oxygen and I understand that some of these things are part of his job, but he still goes beyond that job when he sees I get nervous he talks to me about something that happened during the week or a trip he’s been planning, just to distract me. Christopher J. Zych will hold your hand, hand your Kleenex for your tears, call your doctor when things go array, and he’s always got your back. I am so grateful to have him as my nurse because I know I have the best undoubtedly the best care as a cancer patient with him on my team. Chris is always putting the needs of his patients to such a level that he is exceptional in everything he does. He is passionate about being a nurse and providing the highest care to his patients. He effectively demonstrates the true meaning of cancer patient care and support.