I have been a caregiver here for almost 21 years. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a diagnosis that completely turned my world upside down. It was the most terrifying thing I have encountered thus far in my life, and I was faced with having to have a life-changing surgery and undergo a double mastectomy. Surgery in general is scary and overwhelming. Surgery that radically changes your body is insanely emotional. And surgery that is removing tissues and lymph nodes for pathology that could entirely change the trajectory of your life is inexplicable.

My surgery could have taken place in our hospital OR or at YSC. I trusted both to perform the surgery safely, but I know more of the folks in our own OR and was relieved and grateful when I found out I was scheduled to have my operation within our organization. Having worked here for 21 years, I trust our operations, our teams, our outcomes, and our culture of safety wholeheartedly. However, it is a very vulnerable feeling to undergo a major operation like this amongst your peers. I did not expect any special treatment, but had heard from a few OR nurses that I also consider friends that I could request a nurse to be in the case. I had reached out to Maddie to see if she was working on the day of my surgery, and if it worked out, if she'd be willing to be in the case with me. I get emotional recalling the exchange. She immediately responded, "I will absolutely be there for you. I will say something tomorrow. I want this experience to feel safe and comfortable for you." I instantly felt a bit of relief just knowing I'd have a familiar face and someone I know firsthand is one of the best nurses within our organization. Her response meant so much to me, and I was so grateful for her willingness to be by my side on what will forever be one of the hardest, most emotional days of my life.

Maddie assured me that she would walk me through every step and that the team would take great care of me. She also inquired about who my anesthesiologist was. I don't have much insight into that world, and once again, she ensured me that every one of them is excellent, but she would see who was on that day and see who she felt would be the best fit for me. This might seem minor and simple to her, but it meant the world to me and helped me to feel more at peace with the whole situation.

On the day of my surgery, Maddie came to my room right away to check on me and see how I was doing. She informed me she had some bad news that they had changed my OR room, so she could no longer be in the case with me. She apologized (even though it wasn't necessary or her fault) but then took time to hype up the nurse who would be covering in her place. She reassured me how amazing this nurse was and put my mind at ease. But it didn't stop there. Maddie told me that she asked her supervisor if she could at least come into the OR room with me when I first wheeled back until I was fully under and intubated, so that she could at least be there with me for that part.

Even though I wasn't her patient and I'm sure she had her own work to do, Maddie came with my primary nurse to pick me up and take me into the OR. I was doing alright the entire morning, but that moment was very emotional for me. The second they wheeled me into the OR, I immediately felt the flood of emotion and anxiety of it all. I'm amazed at how quickly I was put under, so the feelings didn't last too terribly long, but it was so comforting and meaningful to me that Maddie was in there with me. This is just the type of person Maddie is. I had the privilege of being her interim manager for a little over a year and know firsthand that Maddie is one of the best caregivers we have. She is so kind, caring, and compassionate, but it is so genuine. She takes so much pride in the care she provides to our patients, and I was blessed to be on the receiving end of that, even if just for a brief time. I know Maddie will think this was all small and 'no big deal,' but I want her to know that to my husband and me, it meant the world. She was a bright light during a dark time, and I will forever be grateful for that.