Cindy Snyder's clinical skill and her compassion exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families and our staff recognize as a role model.

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We were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. As the evaluation was in progress, Cindy gave us a blue, heart shaped stone. She said it was a worry stone. The stone had a small indentation where you could rub your thumb. Just a tangible thing to focus on when our minds were numb with fear. I carried it through all her treatments. Our battles with this horrible disease consisted of several surgeries along with countless tests and treatments. There were times of elation, times of despair and times it felt like we were winning. After 44 months of her heroic battles, we lost the war and she was gone. I am sure the worry stone had no magical powers and I am certain the nurse who gave it to us knew that. But I also think Cindy knew we were heading down a difficult path and felt it might provide some diversion....I suppose it did.