From the moment my husband was brought into the SICU unit till he passed away, McKenzie showed compassion and concern for my husband as well as each of our family members. She would explain what was happening medically as well as why they were doing each step to help determine his diagnosis and the tests that were occurring. We had specialists coming in and out of the room. McKenzie was kind and patient with our questions, helping us to understand what to expect. We had a neurologist, a trauma specialist, a radiologist, a surgeon, and several others running tests taking blood doing MRI CT scans, CTA's to determine what exactly had happened and what was the plan of care. With each new set of circumstances that we had to face, McKenzie became our guide and lifeline to grasp and offer us support.

It was determined that my husband had suffered a fatal fall with blunt trauma to the head and that nothing could be done to save his life. We made the decision to give my husband comfort care and he was a donor. McKenzie's shift was ending and another nurse was ready to take over. But McKenzie stayed with us and walked with us to the very end caring for our needs and making sure we had everything she could do to make a horrible situation as bearable as she could.

My daughter is 24 years old and having to say goodbye to her daddy, and letting my husband go at the young age of 56 is nothing you ever dream will happen to you. When I think of this young nurse who had worked 12 hours, who had to be exhausted, emotionally drained just from dealing with our patient not alone the other patients she was caring for at the time. But to give of herself to strangers with respect, caring compassion, generosity, understanding, kindness, and such a loving and giving nature.