Matt was nominated by a family member of a patient, who wrote:

Matt was both serious and compassionate. One of his main strengths was that he understood what it meant to give a patient dignity. Being a 43-year-old executive, my friend wanted to do whatever he could and not be treated like an elderly patient who didn't have strength or determination to get better. Matt provided those opportunities for my friend. This was critical to his confidence and mental state. Matt was also constantly attentive. My friend said he felt like Matt "jumped over the desk" as soon as his button was pushed, even when he had additional patients.

Specifically, I remember one night I was distraught. My friend's ICU psychosis was more than I could take and I left the CVICU in tears. I intended to return, but fell asleep and awoke at 5 a.m. the next morning. As I ran down the hall, I felt guilty that I had left Matt with such a mess. As I rounded the corner to my friend's room, I was greeted with a half-smile and the comment, "Well, he didn't sleep at all, but he is calm." I felt terrible that I had left my friend there, but I knew that Matt understood him . . . and me. After that, whenever Matt was our nurse, I left the room and slept. Those nights of sleep were priceless! Thank you, Matt!