My experience is different than many others I am sure. I have a rare neuromuscular disease called Stiff Person Syndrome. I first met Cordelia in January 2015. I had been diagnosed with SPS in December of 2014 and was referred to the infusion center at Vanderbilt MS Clinic for IVIG infusions. I walked into the clinic the first time scared and feeling alone and isolated as I had no clue what to expect or exactly what I would be doing that day. I sat in the waiting room anxiously awaiting them to call my name, after a very brief wait, Cordelia called my name and greeted me with a smile. She patiently waited as I gathered all of my things, she even helped me carry my pillow and blanket to the back. She talked to me all the way down what seemed like a never-ending hall and gave me a tour of the infusion area before she let me pick the chair I wanted to sit in. She then took the time to explain everything that was going to happen and answer all the questions I had. She checked on me multiple times throughout my infusion to make certain I was comfortable. I left that day feeling confident and assured because of Cordelia. The next day I received a phone call from the infusion center when I answered the phone it was Cordelia calling to see how I had tolerated my infusion. Talk about feeling relieved! You don't see those kinds of things anymore!
My story doesn't end there. I didn't realize at the time but this schedule would become a very huge part of my life. I have visited that clinic every other week since that day for infusions. My 2 hour days have turned into 6 hour days and the weeks have turned into years. I have never been in the center one time that Cordelia has been having a "bad day". Her care and compassion for her patients are ALWAYS excellent! For quite some time I thought that I had just got lucky by having a phenomenal nurse pick up my chart several years ago. I have spent many many hours in a chair in that center and have watched many people come and go. I have watched and witnessed that it's not just me whom Cordelia treats like part of her family, it is also many other patients she interacts with on a daily basis. I have personally witnessed many people come in and only want Cordelia to start their IV. She treats every patient with the same care. She is truly the definition of compassion and dedication!