John Gilligan, BSN, RN

I just turned 80 years old and was planning a trip to Hawaii for my 10 family members. My bag was packed, the arrangements were all made, and my anxiety level was way up there. I started feeling dizzy and didn’t realize I was in the middle of a panic attack. Because my brain lacked oxygen, I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t speak or make any sense. I drove myself to the doctor, and when they took my blood pressure, they called the ambulance. I still wasn’t tracking.

When I got to Lees Summit Medical Center, a nurse named John greeted me and immediately listened as I tried to make sense of what was happening. I knew enough to tell him that I was having a panic attack. For the next few hours, I was tested, and he did everything possible to get me an MRI, which would show that I was not having a stroke. He wouldn’t let them wait until the next day. He wanted it done right then. I was told I couldn’t be treated until a stroke was ruled out, and he made sure that happened ASAP. Everyone else seemed to think I was having a stroke. I knew I wasn’t because this happened to me before. He was reassuring and comforting, and he went way beyond what was necessary to make my recovery possible.

If John hadn’t been there for me, an MRI wouldn’t have happened until much later; I could not have been treated with the correct medication, and I certainly might have had a stroke or worse. I thanked him, explained how much he meant to me, and assured him I would remember all the kind things he did and how smart he was to figure it out and listen to me. Listening to patients, even when they're 80 years old, works out. He deserves recognition at the highest level; I wish I could take him with me. He is awesome!