April 2026 Honoree
Kalee Haynes, RN
Kalee went above and beyond in the most stressful moment of my medical journey. I had been struggling for months with my cancer diagnosis, and after finally securing a date for my breast cancer lumpectomy, I received a devastating call—my surgery was being canceled because the VA referral hadn’t arrived.
I knew another delay could mean the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. Panicked, I rushed to the VA clinic and pleaded for help. The clinic was busy, and no one from my care team was available, but Kalee took the time to listen to my story, though she was unfamiliar with my case and I was a new patient there. She understood the urgency and assured me she would do everything possible, even if it meant working past her shift.
That evening, Kalee called me personally to let me know she was pushing the referral through and promised to keep me updated. The next morning, I anxiously waited, then received another call from the surgery center—they still hadn’t received the referral, and my surgery was once again at risk. Just moments later, Kalee reached out to tell me she got it sent at 8:09 am, just in time to save my surgery.
Kalee’s compassion, tenacity, and sense of urgency made all the difference in my life. She not only saved my surgery, but also potentially saved my breast. Her actions embody the true spirit of VA care, and she is without doubt a hero to me and many others. Veterans at the VA Clinic are truly fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Kalee on their side.
I knew another delay could mean the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. Panicked, I rushed to the VA clinic and pleaded for help. The clinic was busy, and no one from my care team was available, but Kalee took the time to listen to my story, though she was unfamiliar with my case and I was a new patient there. She understood the urgency and assured me she would do everything possible, even if it meant working past her shift.
That evening, Kalee called me personally to let me know she was pushing the referral through and promised to keep me updated. The next morning, I anxiously waited, then received another call from the surgery center—they still hadn’t received the referral, and my surgery was once again at risk. Just moments later, Kalee reached out to tell me she got it sent at 8:09 am, just in time to save my surgery.
Kalee’s compassion, tenacity, and sense of urgency made all the difference in my life. She not only saved my surgery, but also potentially saved my breast. Her actions embody the true spirit of VA care, and she is without doubt a hero to me and many others. Veterans at the VA Clinic are truly fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Kalee on their side.
Thank you, Kalee, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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