Maria demonstrates compassion by encouraging me to eat and offering to get me food that I am more willing to eat. She sits with me and gets to know me better. She has become much more than my nurse, she has become my friend. She offers to pray for me and with me, which greatly comforts me. Her joy puts a smile on my face and gives me hope for a better future. She continually encourages me to eat more, get better and stay strong. Her hope for me gives me hope to continue fighting and to never give up.