There were so many wonderful staff members throughout my stay that helped me, but I especially wanted to recognize Danielle Sicignano from the operating room. She was the hero of my surgery day and the kindest soul. Coming from working at a children’s hospital, I expected the adult healthcare world to be a little less sunshine-y and warm in comparison, and on top of that I was incredibly scared. However, from the moment Danielle came over and introduced herself, this feeling was erased, and I instead felt like I had a friend by my side.

Danielle checked on my every need and noticed things I needed help with before I even had to ask (lots of extra warm blankets). Danielle joked with me on the way into the operating room and made me laugh enough to take my mind off everything else happening around me… which was quite a feat given that I had just been shaky and teary-eyed. Also, right as things were getting real and I was lying on the operating table, she offered to play music and found my favorite country artist. I could immediately tell she is a super knowledgeable nurse, but she sensed that in the moment I most needed someone I could relate to as a human. So, she made sure her genuine, authentic self was the side she was providing to me, which was a fantastic and empathetic woman.

When we met, I could tell Danielle didn’t just see me as another part of her job, but as a person with real emotions who needed comfort and a sense of normalcy. Looking back on that day, I realized saying goodbye to my mom before I went in wasn’t so bad because she was right there next to me. All of my nurses were so incredible, but she will always have a special place in my heart.