In the summer of 2016, R was staying on the Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit. During her time on the Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, she had worked very hard on becoming as independent, as possible. With school drawing near an end, Dez could sense that R was going to need something in her summer to look forward to.
One weekend while Dez and R were hanging out they started talking about summer camp. Dez explained to R that Camp Sunnyside wasn't far and could make accommodations for her and her power chair. They looked it up and talked about all the things that R could do while at camp. R was very interested in the idea of spending time at Camp Sunnyside. This wasn't something that the TCU team had much experience with, but Dez saw it as an opportunity for R.
That's all it took for Dez to get the ball rolling. She began printing documentation and forms and spoke with her supervisor, stating "We have to make this happen!" Dez spoke with R's family, doctors, therapists, and anyone who would listen in order to advocate for R and her summer. It gave R the opportunity to look forward to, raise money for, and be excited about her summer. Dez helped with all of this and took no credit.
When I asked R what her camp experience meant to her she said it was "Amazing!"
When I asked R what her favorite part of camp was she said, "Horseback riding"
When I asked how R how she would describe Dez she said, "Loving"
And that's the truth. Dez is loving and determined. She advocates for every child who comes to the TCU, whether it is a personal need, a medical needs, or a summer camp. She sees a need and fills that need with her whole heart! This is why R and I think Dez is a true DAISY Nurse!