We recently cared for a patient who spent some time with us while listed and waiting for lung transplantation. They required significant oxygen support to ambulate but was highly motivated to maintain their physical conditioning in preparation for recovery from the impending transplant surgery. The patient set a personal goal to walk a 5K within the halls of our unit every single day while waiting for lungs to become available. Due to their high oxygen demands, this feat required significant time and coordination between nursing and respiratory therapy. Kate not only assisted in helping the patient reach their goals while assigned to their care as a bedside nurse, but she also took on this role during many of her shifts working as a charge nurse, providing support to this patient and the nurses.

Additionally, Kate took it upon herself to design "Road to Transplant" t-shirts for staff to cheer this patient on, which included many of the patient's notable "word[s] of the day" that they would write on the whiteboard (e.g., courage, believe, kindness, etc.). Nearly 60 shirts were purchased by members of the patient's family and staff, as well as nurses, rehab services, critical care medicine providers, speech language pathology, and more. It seems that this was the good luck charm needed because not long after, we received word that the patient would be getting their long-awaited transplant. When the shirt order arrived, Kate arranged for a group of staff wearing the t-shirts to surprise the patient as they joined in a "victory lap" to celebrate this second chance at life.

Kate's efforts undoubtedly impacted this patient and family and also helped contribute to a culture in our unit to go above and beyond for patients who need our help.