I met Michelle yesterday. She walked softly into mom's room and introduced herself along with the RN training with her. Michelle has that demeanor that is quiet, attentive and compassionate. My mom is in the late stages of pancreatic cancer and is in horrible pain. Mom is very anxious and easily agitated. Michelle listens to my mom's needs and explains everything clearly and slowly. She is great at asking mom just the right questions to help give her the best care. Michelle has helped get doctors involved at just the right time, not wasting mom's precious moments. She has been wonderful at helping coordinate the social worker, case manager and palliative care. She also makes sure that I have been taking care of myself so that I can be strong for my mom. She has a knack for knowing just when to step in to talk to patient, family and doctors. She also knows when to step up to make things happen. I knew from the moment I heard her voice that she had something special to be a nurse in oncology. I would also like to add that with Michelle training a new nurse, Upstate University will not only have one, but two special oncology nurses. Thank you Michelle!