I was transferred to West Penn, via ambulance from another outlying facility. Routine bloodwork was ordered during my annual physical which revealed alarming blood counts leading to the diagnosis of AML. Prior to this, I felt healthy and experienced no symptoms, and always looked forward to my brisk daily walks. Suddenly, my former serene and safe world collapsed around me. Anxiety and uncertainty began pushing my mental state to the limits.

In retrospect, the entire medical staff and support staff have done nothing less of providing me with the best of care. However, one specific nurse deserves special recognition. Her name is Mary Beth. She was the first nurse assigned to me. For three solid days, during the most insecure and frightening time of my life, she was consistently there to not only expertly and efficiently tend to my physical needs, but even more importantly, to offer sincere empathy and constant encouragement. Her thorough understanding of my condition and the professional care she administered, along with the sound advice was largely responsible for lowering my intense anxiety and providing me with a new found hope.

In closing, I could continue to cite specific examples of her caring nature, such as answering questions and addressing concerns with my wife and daughters or her just popping in to cheer me up right after her shift ended. I believe the best way I can attest to her being an “Extraordinary Nurse” is by nominating her this most deserving award. She is most deserving of smelling that cinnamon aroma and sharing these rolls with the staff that worked so hard to care for me and I have the distinct feeling that Patrick Barnes would be in complete agreement.