After having been admitted to the ER approximately 12-15 times over the last two years, I had given up. I had sent texts to several family members, telling them this was my last effort to clear the scales and make sure I had nothing left unsaid. I haven’t eaten a full meal or even been hungry for almost two years, and I have lost over 50 pounds. Then I met nurse Jackie. She took it upon herself to lead the charge to change my nausea medication and get a gastroenterologist involved in my medical path. She took the time to explain the importance of water in my diet, how it pertains to my ileostomy, and that I am always on the verge of dehydration in the best of times. As a result of her and her continued efforts and her diligent, loving, patient care, my appetite has returned overnight, and I've been eating nonstop, and I am gaining weight, and I have a future for the first time in over two years.

It is no exaggeration at all to say that if it weren’t for nurse Jackie, I would not have lived to see the next hospital stay. She did, in fact, literally save my life. I cannot nominate anyone higher for the DAISY Award than her. Again I have been in the hospital 12-15 times over the two years, I've experienced the benefit of a lot of good doctors and nurses and she alone has taken the time to sit with me despite other pressing needs in her personal life, she took it upon herself to lay her life down to save mine and I could not be more grateful for her time and for her effort. All I can say is that anyone fortunate enough to have her on their staff is truly blessed.