I have 10 levels of my spine fused with screws, rods, and a titanium cage. I’ve had six lumbar surgeries, one cervical and two nerve ablations since 2007. My journey has been long. My surgeries corrected my abnormal spine, but I have lifetime damage to nerves and muscles. I live with chronic pain from the continued degeneration of my spine. I live with several herniated discs and the problems they cause. My condition must be monitored and pain controlled. I met Karen in 2016. Her empathy for my condition was unlike any medical professional I had encountered (I have had many neurosurgeons, physical therapists, doctors, and nurses from Shelby to Charlotte). I've always been treated medically well But Karen helped heal my heart and renewed my hope in life. Karen listens without typing on the computer. When she doesn’t know the answer, she finds someone or the information to answer the question. Karen is cautious with my condition without excessive testing, meds, or shots. In the six years I have been under her care, any concern I’ve had (there have been many), she has returned my call and addressed my concern. She inquires, not only about my pain issue, but about my life (i.e., my family, my activities, and my mental wellbeing). Most medical professionals do this but with Karen, it is not like she is asking to check something off a checklist to write a medical note. She truly cares and is truly engaged in my answers. My favorite thing is her laughter… it is contagious and sincere. Karen is what every nurse should be…. It is her true self.