Recently my sister came to SW for a procedure. There were complications. Her RN was on top of her care and during a neuro check noticed issues and got her back in surgery. She ended up with a subdural hematoma and multiple massive strokes. When she came back to ICU her nurse for the next few days was Michaela. It was touch and go and many extremely difficult decisions had to be made by the family.

Michaela took so much time and care to ensure that we, as the family, had all of the information we needed to make these decisions with care. She gave us the knowledge to make educated decisions. Her care went way beyond information. Michaela kept hope alive with us until it was proven medically that it was time to say goodbye. What that looked like was sitting with us, cleaning and braiding my sister's hair, just so she looked nice if and when she woke up. She never did.

She was transferred out of ICU when she became medically stable but never woke up. Michaela always took the time, no matter how busy, even when my sister was not her patient, to check on us and to see if there were any changes. Right to the very end of my sister's life, Michaela was there with compassion and strength. She helped my family through one of the most difficult times we had yet to face. Thank you will never be enough. During her stay both in ICU and on Tower 6, my sister was cared for by so many exemplary RNs and CNAs, but Michaela stood above the pack.