During my mom's visits to HMC, she was lucky to be in the care of many great nurses, but among them Guerdie stands out as extraordinary. We knew from the first time she was on my mom's care that they just connected. Guerdie was able to meet her right where she needed in terms of explaining the medical information the rest of us didn't understand, always letting her know what was happening next, and what to expect.

She also brought laughter to the room in tough times, making my mom feel seen as someone who was more than just the progression of her disease. And it wasn't just the patient Guerdie cared for, but my family as well. Always reminding us that medicine alone couldn't always heal a person, that the mind and soul needed care as well as the body.

Over multiple stays in different units, my mom always was happiest when Guerdie was her nurse, and our family has talked many times about how lucky we were that someone who had that special something that elevates nursing was able to cross our path on some of the hardest days.