Michelle L Alley
October 2025
Michelle L
Alley
,
RN
Wytheville Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)
Salem VA Health Care System
Salem
,
VA
United States

 

 

 

She wanted to know what my personal concerns and wishes were and how she could assist.
I would like to nominate Michelle Alley. I recently had a brain aneurysm that burst, and I am currently being treated for a second aneurysm. I had been receiving my care at a hospital in the community where they were going to attempt to repair the second one, but if unable to repair, the decision was made by the physician to just let the aneurysm "bleed out." The physician was requesting the surgery to be completed within 2 weeks. I was very upset with this news and knowing the high probability of an outcome leading to my death from this surgery. Michelle overheard me talking to my Telehealth nurse at the CBOC about this prognosis I had received, and was immediately concerned and asked me to explain in detail the situations and events. She wanted to know what my personal concerns and wishes were and how she could assist. I told her I wanted to see about getting a second opinion through the VA and felt the community physician was rushing me and just "giving up" on me and my health crisis. While I was in the clinic, Michelle was able to contact Care in the Community and get me set up with UVA Hospital for a second opinion. Later at home, UVA contacted me with an earlier appointment for care. I informed Michelle about the appointment, and she followed through with Care in the Community to ensure they were aware. Without the intervention of Michelle, I might not be here today, having not woken up from surgery to be with my family and children. I want to thank Michelle for taking a moment to stop in the hallway that afternoon to listen to my needs, respect my wishes, and for going above and beyond. You have a caring heart towards your Veterans. Thank you.