I would like to honor Nurse Flo on the Oncology floor of the Samaritan Health Hospital in Corvallis.

Our son was diagnosed with cancer in early June 2022. An otherwise healthy 23-year-old college student. The world was left spinning on its axis. Flo was one of the first nurses that we met on the oncology floor, 3S. We were scared and the whole cancer experience was completely unknown to us. Flo never wavered in her steadfastness and compassion for our family. She laughed with us and cried with us. She guided us through the chemo process educating us the whole time. She connected us with the Pastega house right away so we would have a lovely place to stay while away from home.

Our son had inpatient chemo for 4 weeks, in and out of the hospital all summer. We were delighted to see Flo when we came, with her big smile and positive outlook. She was the only one that could effectively get our son to listen and communicate. She has a way of joking with him and encouraging him to tell her when he was in pain or needed something. Once I had a migraine, and she made a bed for me beside our son and brought me a pillow and blanket. The other nurses told me that she nurtured and mothered them as well.

Flo was there clapping and crying when our son completed his chemo journey and rang the chemo bell. She coordinated with the other nurses from both day and night shift to be there for the occasion. I was truly special.

Flo is a gift to the hospital in Corvallis. She has special skills in nursing, but also in dealing with people in just the way they need. She made our lives easier and better and we miss her now that chemo is completed. 

Note: This is Flo's 3rd DAISY Award!