Hello, I would like to share my personal story about a nurse who changed my life. 

I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Ameloblastoma, a tumor rapidly growing inside my jaw. I was then scheduled for emergent surgery.

My surgery took 12 hours, where they removed my whole lower jaw and reconstructed a new one using the bone on my left leg. They also had to scrape my upper thigh and use it as a skin graft to cover the surgical incisions in my leg. I was then transferred to the ICU for a week and then downgraded, where I spent the majority of my time. 

This is where I met this wonderful nurse. She is the most caring, sympathetic, and empowering person I’ve ever met in my life. Having such extensive surgery also means having to experience excruciating pain both on my jaw and leg. This nurse made sure I was comfortable and checked up on me every hour. She always asked if I needed to be repositioned, use the bathroom, or if I needed medication to ease the pain. She also made me laugh and told me incredible stories just to keep my mind off the pain. She always left with a smile, and she always said, “Please call me; you are not a bother, okay?” 

The very next day, she came back with a fuzzy blanket she had gotten from her home. She said she was worried about me because I hadn’t been sleeping well. Maybe the blanket would help with my healing and sleeping comfortably. She said, “I know it may not be much, but knowing you have a warm blanket to hug at night and even during the day eases my mind as your nurse that you’re at least comfortable.” 

Little did she know that was the best and most wonderful thing I’ve ever received since my surgery. I was going through a lot, my face and physical health had changed, my spirit was extremely broken, I was afraid of the complications I kept experiencing, I was worried about my family, I was worried about my work and how I would take care of my bills, but just for that second, this nurse was able to calm down all of my thoughts. She gave me peace of mind and eased my pain, my anxiety, and my depression. She restored the very last bit of hope I had left in my heart. 

I thanked her and told her, “I love you, and thank you for taking such great care of me.” She smiled and replied, “I love you too. Now, get some rest. I want you to sleep well tonight.” 

The very next day, because of what she did, I was able to participate in all my physical and occupational therapy visits. I was excited, feeling like I could conquer the world, one hop at a time. I could barely wait to tell her how well I did during the day and that her small good deed actually made a huge difference. 

That night, she came back to my room and said it was her last shift for the week. Because of the great respect and trusting relationship she built between us, hearing that news tore me apart. She was my anchor throughout the whole time. She saw the sadness in my face beneath all the swelling and pain. She reassured me that I would be okay and that the unit had a strong, wonderful team of nurses just like her. She then told me, “I did sneak in some gelato for you.” 

She remembered how much I love ice cream and how I reminded her of her late father and how much he loved ice cream as well. Since I cannot eat anything because I lost my teeth and lower jaw, the ice cream was definitely the most delicious gift I’ve ever received. 

That last night of having her as my nurse gave me the strength to keep pushing through. She inspired me that “no matter how difficult the road will be, I just need to remember to keep going.” Her kindness showed through her actions, her encouragement and enthusiasm as a nurse showed through her acts of love, respect, and diligent hard work, and finally, her ability to turn one’s struggle into strength and determination is truly remarkable. 

She changed my life at my lowest point and darkest moment. It would mean the world to me and every life she touched to be recognized as a DAISY Nurse.

Her name is Elizabeth Kennedy Smith from Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. She is the reason why I am alive today and she is the reason why I will be walking down the aisle soon. She is someone who this challenging world needs: she restored my faith in humanity. 

Thank you for reading my story. I know Ms. Florence Nightingale would have been so proud of Elizabeth!