Kelly Coleman
September 2025
Kelly
Coleman
,
RN
6B
University of Michigan Health - Michigan Medicine
Ann Arbor
,
MI
United States
In a world where healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal, Kelly stood out as a beacon of hope and humanity.
I feel compelled to express my heartfelt admiration for an extraordinary nurse named Kelly, whose exceptional kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication have profoundly impacted my family during one of the most challenging times in our lives.
When my father received the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer, along with the shocking news that it had spread, our family plunged into a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, uncertainty, frustration, and sadness all collided. We arrived at the hospital feeling overwhelmed, wondering if anyone could truly understand the weight of what we were experiencing.
I mean, everyone hears the “C” word and gasps, but my father?! Cancer?! I never thought in a million years this would be our reality.
It was in this moment of despair that we encountered Kelly, and everything changed for the better.
From the very first interaction, Kelly’s compassionate spirit shone brightly. She greeted us with a warm smile and a genuine sense of empathy that immediately made us feel welcome. In a world where healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal, Kelly stood out as a beacon of hope and humanity.
Her ability to connect with us on a personal level was a true gift. It made us feel seen and understood at a time when we needed it most. It’s often said that nurses are the heart of healthcare, and Kelly is the perfect embodiment of that sentiment. I’ve dealt with so many healthcare professionals in my lifetime, but no one is like Kelly.
As we navigated the complexities of my father’s care, Kelly was our guiding light. She took the time to patiently address every question I had, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Her thorough explanations, delivered with such kindness and clarity, helped to alleviate some of the anxiety we were all feeling.
It was clear that she possessed not only deep medical knowledge but also an innate ability to communicate with passion. I never once felt rushed or dismissed. Instead, I felt valued and cared for, as if my fears and concerns mattered immensely to her.
What truly sets Kelly apart is her approach to care. My father was not only a patient but a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. She made it her mission to ensure that his physical health was prioritized while equally considering the emotional and psychological challenges we were all facing. Her genuine concern for our family’s well-being was evident in the way she interacted with each of us.
For my son, who was understandably anxious about his “grandpy’s” condition, Kelly became a source of comfort and reassurance. She went out of her way to engage him, sharing little moments of laughter and warmth that eased his worries. I will never forget the way she bent down to his level, looked him in the eyes, and assured him that his grandpa was in the best hands possible.
In that moment, she not only reassured my son but also reminded me that love and kindness have the power to bridge even the most daunting of situations. Her kindness didn’t stop there. Her ability to foster an environment of open communication made us feel comfortable expressing our anxieties and fears without fear of judgment. She often asked us how we were holding up and made an effort to support us in addition to her medical care for my father.
It is a rare gift to find someone who truly invests in the well-being of their patients and families.
During everything going on, Kelly radiated positivity with a cheerful demeanor, ensuring effective treatment for my father, instilling hope, and ensuring that each day, no matter how challenging, could still hold moments of light and optimism. As we witnessed her dedication and positivity, we felt inspired to adopt the same mindset, finding strength in the face of our adversity.
The impact she made on us is immeasurable and embodies the very essence of what it means to be a healer.
Thank you, Kelly, for the unwavering support and exceptional care you provided to my father and our family. You are a true embodiment of the healing spirit, and I will forever cherish the light you brought in our darkest days.
It may have been only a few hours, but it changed our opinion of the hospital and our outlook on the future. May your kindness continue to touch the lives of countless others, just as you touched ours. You remind us all that while healthcare is crucial, emotional and interpersonal connections are truly what make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Thank you again for all that you have done for my father and our family. Please know that your efforts will resonate in our hearts long after we leave the hospital. I can only hope that others can experience the incredible care that you provide for years to come.
When my father received the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer, along with the shocking news that it had spread, our family plunged into a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, uncertainty, frustration, and sadness all collided. We arrived at the hospital feeling overwhelmed, wondering if anyone could truly understand the weight of what we were experiencing.
I mean, everyone hears the “C” word and gasps, but my father?! Cancer?! I never thought in a million years this would be our reality.
It was in this moment of despair that we encountered Kelly, and everything changed for the better.
From the very first interaction, Kelly’s compassionate spirit shone brightly. She greeted us with a warm smile and a genuine sense of empathy that immediately made us feel welcome. In a world where healthcare can sometimes feel impersonal, Kelly stood out as a beacon of hope and humanity.
Her ability to connect with us on a personal level was a true gift. It made us feel seen and understood at a time when we needed it most. It’s often said that nurses are the heart of healthcare, and Kelly is the perfect embodiment of that sentiment. I’ve dealt with so many healthcare professionals in my lifetime, but no one is like Kelly.
As we navigated the complexities of my father’s care, Kelly was our guiding light. She took the time to patiently address every question I had, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Her thorough explanations, delivered with such kindness and clarity, helped to alleviate some of the anxiety we were all feeling.
It was clear that she possessed not only deep medical knowledge but also an innate ability to communicate with passion. I never once felt rushed or dismissed. Instead, I felt valued and cared for, as if my fears and concerns mattered immensely to her.
What truly sets Kelly apart is her approach to care. My father was not only a patient but a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. She made it her mission to ensure that his physical health was prioritized while equally considering the emotional and psychological challenges we were all facing. Her genuine concern for our family’s well-being was evident in the way she interacted with each of us.
For my son, who was understandably anxious about his “grandpy’s” condition, Kelly became a source of comfort and reassurance. She went out of her way to engage him, sharing little moments of laughter and warmth that eased his worries. I will never forget the way she bent down to his level, looked him in the eyes, and assured him that his grandpa was in the best hands possible.
In that moment, she not only reassured my son but also reminded me that love and kindness have the power to bridge even the most daunting of situations. Her kindness didn’t stop there. Her ability to foster an environment of open communication made us feel comfortable expressing our anxieties and fears without fear of judgment. She often asked us how we were holding up and made an effort to support us in addition to her medical care for my father.
It is a rare gift to find someone who truly invests in the well-being of their patients and families.
During everything going on, Kelly radiated positivity with a cheerful demeanor, ensuring effective treatment for my father, instilling hope, and ensuring that each day, no matter how challenging, could still hold moments of light and optimism. As we witnessed her dedication and positivity, we felt inspired to adopt the same mindset, finding strength in the face of our adversity.
The impact she made on us is immeasurable and embodies the very essence of what it means to be a healer.
Thank you, Kelly, for the unwavering support and exceptional care you provided to my father and our family. You are a true embodiment of the healing spirit, and I will forever cherish the light you brought in our darkest days.
It may have been only a few hours, but it changed our opinion of the hospital and our outlook on the future. May your kindness continue to touch the lives of countless others, just as you touched ours. You remind us all that while healthcare is crucial, emotional and interpersonal connections are truly what make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Thank you again for all that you have done for my father and our family. Please know that your efforts will resonate in our hearts long after we leave the hospital. I can only hope that others can experience the incredible care that you provide for years to come.