Kaitlyn Fischer, BSN, RN

My grandpa, my hero, had faced many health challenges over the years. His health took a turn for the worse, and he was ambulanced to Avera ICU for sepsis. Though he had many health scares, he had always been our family’s rock and helped us navigate any challenge. In the ICU, his health changed by the minute, and we didn’t know how to navigate all the tough decisions we had to make. Each of his organs was shutting down, and we were hearing from so many different doctors. Kaitlyn was there the entire time, guiding us through every decision. She explained each option, giving us the facts while also showing great empathy. Though he was intubated, she took such incredible care of him, talking him through each test. When we made the decision to end life support, Kaitlyn helped us make my grandpa's last hours special. Kaitlyn knew just what to do to honor him in his last moments. We played the song he proposed to my grandma with his immediate family of kids and grandkids surrounding him. He passed away right after the song finished. Kaitlyn helped my grandparents have one last “dance” to their song, something we’ll be forever grateful for. Thank you, Kaitlyn, for all you do and all the lives you will continue to impact in your career.