My mom just lost her battle with cancer, and it was the worst time in my life. But I want to recognize a nurse who went out of her way to make a horrible time more bearable. That nurse was Kelly. My mom was admitted to the ICU, and we were scared. My very pregnant sister was with my dad at the time (she had her baby 8 days later, he’s perfect), and I am so incredibly thankful that Kelly was our nurse that night. I got to meet Kelly the next night when I came up to stay in the ICU with my dad. It was terrifying seeing my mom getting dialysis, sicker than I have ever seen her. But Kelly was amazing at her job and amazing at explaining what all the different medicines and tubes were for. She took such great care of my mom. And I know great care because my mom was a nurse too. And Kelly takes care of her patients like my mom did. Went above and beyond to take care of her as a patient and a person. Made sure my mom was as comfortable as she could be. When my mom wanted to do dialysis in the chair instead of the bed, Kelly would help her make it happen. She worked so hard for her patients and still managed to check on my dad, too (made sure he was eating). She was kind, compassionate, caring, strong, smart, and just everything you want in the person taking care of your mom. My dad and my sister and I always sighed with relief when Kelly was our nurse. She was outstanding. Unfortunately for us, my mom's cancer worked faster than any cure could. When we made the hard decision to transition to hospice, there was one small relief waiting for us - Kelly would be our nurse that day.

Thank you to Kelly for giving my mom the best possible care.