I celebrated the one-year anniversary of my back fusion surgery at UC Davis Medical Center. I have two rods and eight screws in my back and a very long scar, roughly six or seven inches in length. I would like to inform you about my nurse from the 5th floor, Milani Wagner. We need more nurses like Milani.

Milani was a very cheerful and caring nurse. She went out of her way to help me while I was in the hospital, especially the day after my surgery. She reminded me to get up to walk around and do my exercises. I couldn't eat anything except ice cream, so she called the kitchen to bring me some chicken-vegetable soup. She took time to care for a patient she did not know. I also witnessed her compassion and caring for another patient (my roommate). Even though I was in so much pain and could barely move, Milani's compassion and encouragement motivated me to get out of bed to walk to the bathroom by myself (with Milani's supervision and support). I am a very self-disciplined person, but I feel blessed to have a nurse who encouraged and reminded me to continue working towards caring for myself. She gave me the confidence to achieve my recovery goals.

In addition, before being discharged to go home, Milani encouraged me to go to the rehabilitation center to have physical therapy and exercise to strengthen my back. I still have a long road ahead in my recovery, but I began my journey with much success thanks to Milani's hard work and dedication. I am thankful for Milani's care, for her commitment, passion, and expertise. Thank you for reading my story and thank you to Milani and all the nurses who work hard to improve their patients' lives.