Maria Delos Reyes, BSN, RN, ONS/ONCC

As a child and young adult, I spent years in the hospital and endured lengthy stays in a research hospital trying to find answers and medications that could help change the course of my disease progression. I was told by numerous physicians not to expect to live past 30 years old. I was very fortunate to have a 25-year recovery, which allowed me to attend nursing school so I could "pay it forward" to others in need.

I was able to lead a full and healthy life, but that all changed when I found myself unable to even complete ADLs or walk even short distances secondary to severe respiratory distress. Medications were not working. I was terrified I would never recover.

On my second visit to the Evanston Infusion Center, I broke down emotionally as I lost all hope for recovery. Maria was there not only as my nurse, but as my Angel of Hope; this is how I will always remember her in my mind.

Maria saw my distress and the fear in my eyes. Maria very gently provided comfort and emotional support not only with her words, but with her presence. Maria did not tell me what I wanted to hear. She gently told me what I needed to hear.

She explained her experience with the medication she was giving me and confidently shared her experience with others on this medication. She assured me it would take time for the medication to work, encouraged me not to give up hope, and shared her own story of how she herself has successfully coped with and moved forward from her experience with a life-threatening condition.

Between visits, I would remember what Maria told me when I was afraid, and her kind words helped me through the process of recovery. Maria was my light in the darkest hours of my adult experience with my illness.

Maria will always be my angel of hope as I continue my path to recovery.