Kim Leedom, RN was the first nurse my dad met when he arrived at the CPCU. My dad was transported to TMH from Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville after a check-up with his cardiologist who shared he needed to get to TMH right away for a consultant with the heart surgeon. My dad declined the surgery. At 78 years of age, he was tired of surgeries. He has experienced more than 10 throughout his life. My mom and I were at a loss for words and could not convince him.

Nurse Kim put aside the medical jargon and with tears and compassion, she prayed with Dad assuring him he was at the right hospital and in the best of care. She said she believed God has more living for him to do without the pain he has been enduring. She commented that the surgeons would not recommend the surgery if they didn’t believe he could handle it. Kim’s prayer was what we needed. My dad said, “Let’s do it.” My mom was so glad Kim was the nurse in my dad’s room at the time. Her kindness is unmatched, and she was right. The surgery went well.

The surgical team kept my family and me updated by the minutes. The ICU team was so patient and compassionate. When my dad returned to CPCU, all the other nurses were so excited about his decision and to see that he was doing well. It was Kim he wanted to see and talk to. Kim stopped by and my parents were overjoyed to see her.

Kim was our angel. She is the type of nurse who believes in the power of healthcare and can make the patient experience more than just a choice to have surgery but a choice to choose a better life. My dad made that choice with Kim’s help, prayers, and ICARE Spirit. Kim deserves this DAISY Award! The award and the flower. Our family is forever grateful. She is mentioned each time we tell the story of Dad’s open-heart surgery.