This recognition is long overdue, and I wanted to take a moment to personally recognize Cynthia Acosta-Pizana. I have hundreds of examples, beautiful stories, and countless acts of kindness that I have witnessed that Cynthia orchestrated. To give context to her character, I wanted to share a beautiful and touching story.  

Cynthia came to know a patient by the name of J, and unfortunately, J had just received news that his cancer was terminal. As anyone can imagine, the devasting news became life-altering for J and his family. J’s plan had now changed from recovery to discharging home on hospice. He knew by how sick he was that he had minimal time remaining. Throughout J’s hospitalization, his condition steadily declined. Cynthia had the opportunity to connect with J and because she took the time to do so, she uncovered a particularly important piece of J’s life. J had a long-term girlfriend by the name of C, who was by his side and is the love of his life. Cynthia discovered that they had been together for twenty years; however, the couple never had the opportunity to marry. 

Talking with C, J expressed deep remorse for leaving the earth without marrying his love. It was a very intimate conversation, and it touched Cynthia’s heart. Being the incredible human and nurse that Cynthia is, she set a plan into motion that forever changed the trajectory of J, C, and their loved one’s lives. Cynthia knew that she had the ability to fulfill J’s wishes and that she would see through to making it happen. With J’s permission, Cynthia immediately stepped into action and started executing plans to marry the couple. 

For days, Cynthia persevered by means of escalation, leadership support, a multitude of phone calls to the county clerk, a letter written to the state, late nights of planning, and the help of fellow staff, C finally got permission from the state and had plans set to see through that the couple were married.  

The date was official. The team diligently worked together with C to ensure the wedding was thoughtfully orchestrated. Nursing cared compassionately for J, stabilizing him for the big day. J received a fresh shave, a haircut by staff, a shower, and fresh attire, so he looked his absolute best for the big day. After work, Cynthia purchased decorations, gifts, momentums, a cake, and treats for J and his loved ones. 

A fresh flowered bouquet and boutonniere were handmade. The team decorated J’s wheelchair for a dignified transport down to the chapel and staff members even donated their personal rings so that the couple had rings to exchange as well as keep for memorabilia. Family members, friends, RNs, PTs, CNAs, leaders, and employees from all over the organization gathered in the chapel. Music played as J and C entered the chapel, and the marriage peacefully and lovingly went off without a hitch. There was not a dry eye in the room!! J and C were officially Mr. and Mrs. M!! 

I am incredibly proud of Cynthia and everyone who came together to honor J’s last wishes. It was a beautiful moment that we will never forget. I cannot express enough gratitude to Cynthia for her thoughtfulness, loving heart, and everything that she has done for our patients, team, and our organization. This is one of countless examples of why Cynthia deserves the highest of recognition. There is no one more deserving as her heart is pure gold. Cynthia is, without a doubt, one of the kindest humans and nurses that I know. I am eternally grateful and honored to be a part of her life as well as been able to work alongside her. Thank you, Cynthia, for being the why. How proud of you we all are, and for your endless love. You have set an extremely high bar and make the world an incredible place to be.