Joanne A Milana, RN

I had a stroke with a brain bleed and I was done for. I could not do anything on my stroke-affected side. I was so confused and actively praying for death. Joanne changed that for me. She showed me how to pull myself up in the bed instead of waiting for a staff member to give me some relief. I was still hopeless in my situation. However, when she would come to my room, I would feel brighter for the moment. The turning point was when she told me, “You’re so strong. You are going to come see me in a year and you will be walking.” After that, I stopped praying for death and my thoughts changed to not wanting to disappoint her. I was unable to speak and she took it upon herself to work with me so people could understand my speech. I was sad when I left neurology for inpatient rehab, where I met more miracle workers. She continued to be concerned with my well-being, even though I was no longer her patient. I did come back to see her a year later and I was walking! If not for her, I would no longer be here. I am so grateful. She is astounding.