After falling incredibly sick last year, my diagnosis journey upended my life when I awoke from a colonoscopy being told I had a four-inch cancerous tumor on my rectum that had likely been in me for 7-10 years. Further images concluded I was in stage 3 rectal cancer, which is a frightening diagnosis on its own, but I’m 36 years old. I spent nearly a quarter of my life with cancer; I’m not supposed to get this young. I suddenly went from working towards my future to literal survival. I cannot fathom a single word that could accurately describe the crushing fear my husband and I felt.

Courtney was the first nurse who carried us through genetic mapping, many hours of education, and my first 7-hour round of chemotherapy. Her compassionate nature was my anchor when all I wanted to do was float away. Beyond compassion, Courtney listened to me and focused her care to accommodate my needs, from being gentle when I expressed my fear of needles to being diligent in her care. I felt safe. Courtney’s presence, patience, encouragement, and kindness gave me strength and hope that I could get through this. She made us feel that survival wasn’t an option, but a mission, and she was there to be our guide.

I’m writing this nomination from my post-surgery room, my tumor officially evicted, and I can’t help but wonder if Courtney had a crystal ball that foresaw this moment, and she was the angel sent to make sure I stayed on the path to fight this battle. I’m truly not sure I’d be here to write this if it weren’t for Courtney!