I was admitted to the Emergency Room (ER) via ambulance in a state of distress and coming in and out of consciousness. I had not been feeling well for a few days with minor symptoms, but that morning, I woke up out of sorts, not able to speak comprehensive words with a ton of nausea and convulsing.

After being admitted to the ER, various tests (including a lumbar puncture) showed I had picked up a strain of Meningoencephalitis and would need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. I was mostly unconscious during my ER visit and for the first day or so of my admittance to the hospital. My husband, however, was awake and living a nightmare that day and into the next day. He shared with me that he wasn't alone, though, thanks to the compassionate support of a particular nurse. Heather's unwavering ability to take care of me and tend to my bedside needs brought comfort to my husband and helped him realize that I was in good hands and being well looked after.

Heather also supported my husband, reassuring him I was getting the treatment I needed and was in the best place I could be for recovery. This nurse’s unwavering support on that first day and over the next 5 days I was in the hospital meant so much. She is greatly appreciated, and her life-saving efforts, personality, compassion, attentiveness, thoroughness, dependability, proactiveness, attentiveness, and overall caregiving approach will always be remembered and appreciated. I am forever thankful for the time and energy she took to help get me better and the difference she made. Thank you for being my "hero in scrubs" and making a difference that saved my life, giving me a second chance to live!