Ellie Toledo cared for me during one of the worst moments of my life, and her presence is something I will never forget. I was in the MICU after a suicide attempt. I was completely alone. I was extremely out of it, and I do not remember much, but I remember Ellie. I remember seeing her and feeling like I was in good hands. When I was at rock bottom and could not advocate for myself or even fully understand what was happening, she still treated me like a human being worth protecting.

Ellie stayed attentive and grounded. She checked on me, watched over me, and made me feel safe without making me feel exposed or judged. There was a steadiness in how she cared for me. Even though I was barely present, I could feel that she was truly looking out for me. I am alive, in part, because of the care Ellie gave me in those hours and days when I had no one with me. The safety I felt with her is a memory I carry as proof that compassion can reach someone even when they cannot reach back. Every patient deserves the level of care that Ellie provides. She leads with humanity, vigilance, and respect, and she makes people feel safe when they are most vulnerable. Ellie shows up for patients when they are most vulnerable. She set the standard for what nursing care should feel like. I am grateful she was my nurse.