It has been a long time since I have written a letter about anyone, but I would like to express my gratitude to this young lady who cared for my father. The story actually started prior to the time we spent in the at UK. I am a part of a Facebook group in Georgetown, and Jordan had made a post asking if anyone had gently used games, coloring books, word puzzles, magazines, etc. She wrote that she was a nurse in the Cath lab recovery unit and was starting to collect these things to support her patients and their families.

She was looking to take the added stress off by offering something to do, especially for those whose procedure got behind. She also created an Amazon wish list for those who were interested in sending something. I messaged her and was able to contribute a few gently used puzzles my children wouldn't miss, Jordan came and picked them up and was so thankful for what i was able to donate. Never did I think I would get to see the impact of what this does for people.

My father was brought to UK and ended up in the Cath lab. They suspected he had a heart attack. My sister and I were waiting in the area where they take patients before going for their procedure. Jordan was our nurse that day, and not only did she keep my dad calm, but she also calmed my nerves. My dad was tearful, anxious, and really hard to convince that he was going to be ok. Jordan sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed his hand, and said something I will never forget. She said, " It is okay to be nervous, but know we as your care team are not nervous; you, my friend, are in good hands." You could see almost instantly that he was relieved; he truly believed her.

 After they had that talk, she told us there was a delay and offered us a puzzle, a card game, a book, or a word search. That is when I realized who she was. I smiled really big and asked if she remembered me, and she said absolutely. She showed me pictures of her cabinet that was fully stocked with all the donations she had received. She was so excited! We sat and played several games of Uno, and during the case, my sister and I doodled on some sheets of paper she had given us. Never in my life did I think a blank piece of paper and a box of crayons would bring me peace, but they did. It was the first time I had seen my dad smile since being transferred. We were able to put the anxiety in the back of our minds for a short time.

Jordan had named her efforts "Operation Heartbeat," and after seeing the power of a kind word, a card game, and a crayon, I made sure to order from her Wishlist in hopes that more people get to experience what my family did. I hope that Jordan knows that she is doing big things, and I hope that everyone who comes to the Cath lab knows that this young lady has a healing hand and a beautiful heart. I don't know how else to express that what she is doing is life-changing for those who don't have the support. Jordan will be there, she will hold your hand, she will talk to you about the sun, the moon, and the stars, she will make you forget for a few short moments, and that is what the world needs.

After all was said and done, I received a thank-you card from Jordan for supporting her cause, Operation Heartbeat. It means more to me than she will ever know. My family should be the ones sending her a thank-you card. The UK should be proud and honored to have Jordan a part of their organization.

Thank you so much, Jordan, from the bottom of my family's heart.