In October of 2021, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I am 32 years old. There are no words to express the fear I felt. I had my surgery in October so now it was time to get my port placed. As a nurse myself, I was a nervous wreck knowing that they were going to be putting a port in that went right into my heart. After talking to the doctor, I was wheeled back to the cath lab to have my port placed. When I was rolled in, I had a hair net and face mask on. Kristi kept making eye contact and taking double looks. I proceeded to tell her "Yes, you know me. I work in the ER and I have brought you several critical patients". When she realized who I was she said "Oh my goodness, you are family". I felt an instant sense of relief because I knew she had my back. She asked me why I was getting a port and I told her that I was just diagnosed with colon cancer. Kristi was blown away. When they perform this procedure they have a drape up to maintain a sterile field. Kristi walked away for a few second to start some music. She put on Michael Jackson Beat it. The next thing I knew, Kristi poked her head around the curtain. She said, "What are we going to do?". This beautiful soul responded with "just beat it" and did a little dance. I will never forget her or my experience. The impact that she made on me is incomparable.

Several months pass by and I was in the hallway updating the huddle board. Kristi was coming in for a STEMI patient. When she saw me, she literally gave me the biggest hug. She let me know she had been thinking of me and hoping I was ok. I am now nearing the end of my cancer treatment and will be cancer free. Listening to Michael Jackson's song "Beat It" will forever be special to me. Thank you, Kristi!