In late 2021, I survived a near-fatal hit-and-run car accident and instantly became paralyzed from the chest down. I did not understand in the immediate aftermath that I would need to learn how to navigate so much medically in addition to not being able to walk. I would have to learn to manage a catheter (and recurrent UTIs), not being able to go to the bathroom without a suppository (and risk of hemorrhoids), sensitive skin that was at risk of turning into a wound, risk of blood clots from being sedentary, and so many more medical situations that were new to me.

When I was discharged from being an inpatient, I met Melanie as part of the Craig Hospital Outpatient Clinic. She took the time to educate me as new medical concerns popped up and was patient in explaining how to navigate each new condition. There were so many times that I was completely overwhelmed, feeling like my body had completely fallen apart. But she would check in with me and help me re-frame my mindset to one focused on “taking charge of my health” instead of feeling defeated. Melanie embodies the exceptional role a nurse plays in a patient’s village- quickly troubleshooting all sorts of medical situations, teaching and educating her patients, and showing compassion and strength. Like so many Craig patients, I’m privileged to have her extraordinary skill and compassion supporting me along my medical journey.