I received a call from my best friend. Something was wrong with her brother, and he was at Garnet Health. I picked her up and drove her to the ER. When we arrived, we were told he had been rushed into the Cath Lab after suffering a massive heart attack.

After what seemed like hours sitting in the waiting area, his wife was called back to see her husband. Shaking and crying, she asked my best friend to please come with her. It was then that they met Michelle DeGraff.

Michelle was not only part of the team that saved his life, but she also went out of her way to come to the ICU waiting area after transferring him to that unit. She sat down with the family—about ten of us—and took the time to explain everything and ask if anyone had any questions. She went above and beyond, putting everyone at ease with her calm presence and clear communication.

I’ll include what my friend wanted Michelle to know in her own words:

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the incredible nurse, Michelle, who saved my brother’s life today after his massive heart attack. In one of the most terrifying moments of our lives, Michelle went above and beyond—not only acting quickly to help him, but also comforting us and keeping us informed when we were lost in fear. Because of her, my brother is still with us, and our family will never forget her kindness, strength, and compassion. Michelle, you are our hero.”