I came to UC Davis from Reno for a consultation regarding a repair of my mitral valve. The doctor admitted me the same day because my heart function was severely compromised. I was told I would not survive if I went home and continued with the same meds I was taking. It was recommended that I have open heart surgery to put in a heart pump. After three weeks in the hospital, the decision was made to put in a CRT defibrillator which would buy me more time to make a decision regarding the pump. Needless to say, it was all very stressful. I was fortunate to be assigned May as one of my nurses. May is truly exceptional. One day, I was so overtired and stressed, that I became very depressed. She stood by my side and talked through the situation, calmed me with her kind words, and was even able to make me laugh. She is knowledgeable about meds and procedures, and she would explain that the doctors had changed meds and why they changed. May knew that if I was well informed, I would feel less stressed. She understood the medical equipment I had received and was able to answer my questions regarding this device which put my mind at ease. At my lowest moments, she was there to lend support and bolster my spirits. I am so grateful to have had May as my nurse.