My mom was undergoing outpatient treatment for lung cancer and was admitted through the Emergency Room because of an intestinal blockage. That issue was ultimately resolved, however, her condition quickly deteriorated. She was transferred to the Oncology floor where Jennifer was one of the nurses that took care of her. Jennifer was so kind and gentle with my mom and quickly got her anything she needed, from Jell-o to blankets to pain medicine. She took the time to go into her room and talk with my mom when we weren't able to be with her. I was surprised at how much Jennifer ended up knowing about my sisters and me just based upon their late afternoon conversations. My father is a physician and would question the staff each time a new test or bloodwork was required. Jennifer was very knowledgeable and became our point of contact about which tests were being run and why and would discuss in detail with my dad what the results might indicate. She became our greatest advocate.

This was most exemplified when the doctor ultimately told us that mom needed to be moved to hospice and immediately sent in the hospice team to talk with us. The hospice people were making calls and trying to get her transferred out that same afternoon. We had never experienced hospice before. My dad was concerned about transferring her IV, oxygen monitors and medicines. They told us that she wouldn't get any of that in hospice, she was being sent there only to be comfortable for the end of her life. It was too much for us to process so quickly. In a span of a week, my mom went from walking into the Emergency Room to being sent out on a stretcher to pass away in hospice. Jennifer felt our distress and sent the hospice team out of the room. She pulled up a chair and sat with us as we cried and tried to understand what was happening. Having experienced the same thing with her mom she commiserated with us. She told us that no decision had to be made until we were comfortable making it. My sisters were able to fly in from Denver to see my mom for the last time and after a lot of discussion and tears, we all made the decision together that it was time to send mom to hospice. As they put her on the stretcher to leave, Jennifer helped my sisters and me gather up mom's remaining possessions.

I know that Jennifer must say goodbye to hundreds of patients each year, but as we hugged goodbye she cried along with us. She made us feel as though our mom and our family were very special to her and for that we are eternally grateful.