One of my best friends was life-flighted to the Cleveland Clinic. He was coming from Michigan, and knowing that his family was way behind him, I went to the Clinic to be with him. He was admitted in rough shape. And even as a nurse, it was a scary experience. But I was so lucky to be greeted by this caregiver, Kelby, when I walked into the unit. She was his RN - she was competent in her care, but also incredibly compassionate - literally exactly what I needed.

She let me come back, sit at his bedside, updated me on what the many doctors were saying, and all the things that RNs normally do. She also provided emotional support beyond what was expected of her! She knew I was scared and somehow figured out everything I needed without me saying it. She made small talk with me to try to keep me distracted, but also gave me time to process what was going on. She was just there...

When his family finally arrived, she updated them, answered all their questions, and let them stay and visit. She was a calming presence in a storm.

She was with the patient that night and the next. Literally just the kindest human. It’s hard to put into words how she made me feel - but that first night when we finally left, we were walking out, and I just felt confident he was in the best care possible! Thank you for going above and beyond to put our whole very emotional group and me at ease! You were an angel!