I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer in 2021. To say that my diagnosis shook me to my core is an understatement. The incredible people who chose to help me throughout my journey are who got me through. Without them, it would have been impossible. One nurse that was there with me during my darkest hour, is Emily Reed. I met Emily during my final rounds of chemo at the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. That far into my chemo regimen, I was extremely sick and terrified I wasn’t going to have the strength to pull through. I will never forget the day that I met Emily. I was sitting in the lobby fighting back tears and nausea when out came this bright, bubbly nurse who greeted me with so much compassion and dignity. As if God had heard my prayers, I instantly felt a connection and knew that I was in good hands. Emily is an exemplary nurse, as is evident in her compassion, skillset, and patient care. Emily displays a level of humanity far beyond imaginable, as she treats her patients’ situations as if they are her own. She explains things before she does them and welcomes all questions and requests with patience and understanding. Emily will forever hold a special place in my heart. Words can never express the gratitude I feel having met her. I pray that every cancer patient that enters that door has the chance to meet her and get to know the real-life superhero that I came to know and love. Thank you Emily for all that you did for me. You are forever in my heart!