As of today, my daughter N and I have been in this hospital for 3 weeks and 1 day. It has been an incredibly challenging time, filled with procedures that required numerous painful pokes with needles. One of the most difficult aspects has been dealing with several failed midlines—each time, they would work for a while but ultimately fail with the blood return. A turning point came when Matthew was assigned as our night nurse for the first time. From the moment he stepped into our room, his dedication and care were evident. He checked on us at least every hour throughout the night, making sure N was as comfortable as possible. When another midline failed, Matthew approached the situation with both skill and determination. He elevated N’s arm in a way that allowed him to successfully get a blood draw, extending the life of the midline by another three days. That moment felt like a small victory in what had otherwise been a string of disappointments.

Today, the midline failed again. N was in absolute tears, overwhelmed by frustration and fear. But as soon as Matthew returned for the night shift, her entire demeanor changed. His kindness and calm presence immediately soothed her. Even though we might not get a blood return for tests tonight, N is comforted by knowing that if anyone can make it happen, it’s Matthew. And if a new midline must be placed, she’s ready to face it—because she trusts him completely.

Over the past weeks, we’ve encountered many nurses and techs, most of whom have been kind and helpful. But Matthew stands out in a way that’s hard to describe. He has a special touch and an intuitive bedside manner that feels as natural as breathing. It’s not just skill—it’s a gift. For families like ours, dealing with long hospital stays and countless medical challenges, someone like Matthew makes all the difference. I don’t think words can fully express how grateful we are for him.