In 2019, I spent 40 days in Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg Pavilion as a Trauma patient. During this time, I was quite ill and at risk for many complications. Mary stood out. As a medical nurse, I wasn't an easy patient--quite ill, on complete bedrest, and very anxious about any possible thing that could go wrong. Mary worked the night shift. I remember the first time she walked into my room with her upbeat, positive demeanor. While she wasn't always my assigned nurse, she was there for me. I had a wound vac over a large portion of my lower leg and significant graft donor sites on both thighs. Both of these experienced leaks. Mary relentlessly ensured my vac was working effectively, and that my draining donor sites were covered.

More than 2 years forward, I was again a patient on 12 East. The Nurse Manager kept in contact with me over the years, and ensured I had a reconnection with two of my best nurses from the past. Mary was assigned to care for me on daylight this time. She was efficient, caring, positive and never made me feel like I was a problem for her--again I was on bedrest! I felt safe in her hands. She assessed me medically as well as surgically. She always asked if there was anything else I needed before she left the room, and If I asked for anything, she said, "I'll get it now," and she returned with it. She coordinated my discharge, and reviewed my instructions in detail. She took me downstairs in the wheelchair to meet my husband. How blessed I was to be in Mary's hands. She spent time with me, was there for me, and not only provided me with care during one hospitalization but provided me with the continuity I needed when readmitted! Thank you so much Mary for working before and during the pandemic, sticking with it to provide exceptional care at the bedside, and being my nursing hero!