Mary Ann De Guzman, BSN, RN

I was diagnosed with ALS exactly one year before my admission for an inevitable PEG tube! Before my diagnosis, I was happy, healthy, and enjoying retirement. I can no longer speak, eat, or care for myself. This disease is an absolute nightmare! Over the past month, my ability to shower and perform ADLs has become obsolete. I was in denial. I didn’t tell my family or my husband how bad I had become. I finally decided it was time to get help and get a peg tube. When I arrived at the hospital, let’s just say I wasn’t very fresh. Then I met Annie.

She wasted no time. Within the first 30 minutes of meeting me, she had me in the bathroom, and she washed me! I finally felt human again. Annie not only washed me up, but she also gave me my dignity back! Yes, a total stranger was cleaning me, but instead of embarrassment, I felt pure appreciation. Here is a woman who could be facing her own issues, yet she is taking the time and making the commitment to help me. It may seem small and unimpressive, but she was also dealing with an unappreciative patient in the hall, screaming at her.

Despite that, she gave me love and respectful care. I cannot thank Annie enough for that moment of kindness. I know I don’t have much longer on this earth, and I am beyond grateful I crossed paths with Annie before I am called on. She gave me a different type of hope. Not hope for a cure, peace, or quick fix. She gave me hope for humanity! Thank you, Annie!