After three miscarriages and a journey I was not prepared for, we started IVF here at PW. As an employee, I knew we had the benefits, but I had no idea what to expect. Most of the journey is done by ourselves, though our nurses were only an email away, you don't know what you don't know. So, by the time we got to the egg retrieval part of our journey, I was exhausted, tired, a bit discouraged, and very unsure of what to expect. The last time I had been in an OR was for our miscarriages, and the fear, sadness, and all the other emotions came rushing back. From the moment she introduced herself, Johanna was amazing, calm, knowledgeable, and informative. Now to say my husband is a joker, is an understatement. He's funny (or tries to be) making jokes, and just trying to calm the tension in the room, especially if I'm the one who is tense. And she took it in strides, even joking with us, laughing, and also being very patient and calm. I know it may not seem like much to some, like oh that is a part of her job. But the reality for us was that she was the saving grace that day. She was comforting in a way I didn't know I needed, like a mom. Gentle and calming with this presence that had me knowing I was okay. And yet still laughing and seeing beyond my husband's jokes - knowing he needed to laugh, and accepting that too. Our first round was unsuccessful, and even though we are sad, tired, and so many other emotions, I look back at that day of the egg retrieval and still smile because I get this calming feeling when thinking of Johanna.

Note: This is Johanna's 2nd DAISY Award!