I became a wound patient after a life-changing accident, was hospitalized for 4 months, in a coma for 3 weeks, died twice, was lifted by air flight during COVID, and only a 5% survival rate, arrived home in a wheelchair, no muscle tone, not able to walk due to the lack of circulation, neuropathy, hairless, weak, large stomach, 10- inch wound from 10 + surgeries, with an ostomy, TPN, right-hand amputation, it was a complete gift package.

I received a referral from my primary for a scheduled appointment to the Would Center due to the fact my walking improved. I was able to leave my home for a doctor's visit which meant no more home visits could be rendered. The amputation of my right hand is why I'm typing this letter to recognize Monique as a recipient of The DAISY Award instead of a handwritten nomination.

My situation was unique, my stomach surface was quite abnormal from the 10+ surgeries and formed scar tissue, I was grossly underweight, along with a compounding mental state of mind regarding the incident. I was scheduled twice a week for appliance changes. I noticed after several weeks passed, Monique was definitely the charge nurse on the floor, all would direct questions to Monique for assistance and answers. My lack of weight and the abdominal scar tissue situation under my appliance were the causes of the leaks, and detachment in public, and at home. The worst was the evenings when I was awakened, as I lay in complete filth from the reoccurring breakage of my ostomy bags from my stomach. Monique heard all conversations on the Wound Floor behind the drawn curtains, after several stat incidents, no appointment and direct walk-in from the reoccurring of these said incidents, Monique took charge.

Each week Monique would use alternate appliances, seals, paste, and other methods to stop the leakage, she did all the ordering, and scheduled supply deliveries to my home with a personal carry bag to hold all necessary supplies for the Wound Center and home emergencies. Monique never gave up, her trials and errors of her alternate methodology finally worked in eighteen months. The determination and dedication to her craft of would care, Monique was
adamant to find a solution to my situation. This wasn't the only sign of her passion to care for others, Monique had unique listening skills. It was her personal empathy to listen to my situation physically and mentally. Monique noticed and addressed my mental state numerous times when I became withdrawn, sad, and detached from reality. I discussed my feelings freely with Monique. I was comfortable in her presence, her understanding, empathy, and her passion to heal, she would hug me, and pat me on the back to tell me, "Don't give up, you can do this."

The end of my story, Monique has trained many of the Wound Care nurses in the methodic application of the appliance. As of today, I have had no leakages or breakage of seals from my abdominal wall.

I had complete control of my life, type A personality, self-employed for 40 + years, matriarch of my family, Special Ed degree, caretaker of my two disabled children with Downs, my grandchildren, family Sunday dinners, birthday and holidays just vanished that one night. The ability to make the hundred-year-old pie crust, biscuit, and homemade bread, crocheting, hiking, rollerblading, training for my first SK, speed biking, archery, swimming, and more was my form of therapy, gone that night at the retired age of 62.

Monique understood that at the age of 62, my personal wish list and goals were completed but I felt so damaged. Monique was what I needed to understand that I wasn't damaged, it was a change that I could deal with, I was strong, in control, and I could still be pleased with myself mentally and physically. Monique was my "Guardian Angel" and this is why I'm nominating Monique as an Extraordinary Nurse to receive this hand-carved " Healer's Touch" stone sculpture. I will use my left hand to pat Monique on her back, to say, "Thank You, never change, be your true self."