July 2026 Honoree
Nate Rowland, BSN RN
It was a typical volleyball league game at Jesuit High School. My son, who is the only libero, was on the opposing team, Del Oro. During the 2nd set, his knee popped during a very quick pivot, and my son collapsed to the ground. That was it. We knew something was terribly wrong.
He couldn't get up, and we brought him to the ED in SSC. There he got an X-ray confirming no broken bones, but our next steps would be to contact his pediatrician and request a referral to ortho for an MRI.
The next day, I spoke to Nathan and told him what happened and the urgency needed to get the ball rolling because my son is a Comp Athlete- playing both school and club ball for the last 6 years. He needed surgery ASAP so the recovery process could start. He got right on it and assisted my son in getting his MRI done the following week. I was so grateful for the timeliness and the understanding of how important this was to my son and our family.
But the results turned out to be absolutely devastating, as it showed a full ACL tear along with meniscal tears and bone bruising. My son was heartbroken. He could not play in school playoffs. And there'd be no going to Nationals with his club team over the summer. Two seasons were gone.
The next feat would be for my son to get a scheduled surgery with our amazing pediatric ortho surgeon. The sooner, the better. His surgery was subsequently scheduled.
During the wait, Nathan explained to me what would happen during the surgery, what to expect, and recovery tips, and he was amazing at answering any and all questions I had, night or day. He was always there with answers, follow-ups, and encouragement. My son has never had a major surgery, so for me to talk about "Nurse Nathan" since the very day after he got hurt has been so reassuring to my son.
That morning, he finally got to meet him, and he looked so relieved. Nathan knew my son's story and told him he'd be with him the entire time in the operating room. He even asked what type of music he'd like going in. He chose Morgan Wallen, of course.
Nathan maintained communication with me during the procedure, and as he wheeled him out to Recovery, he said those words every parent wants to hear after their child goes through something like this: "He crushed it. He went in, feeling good, and it was a good repair."
Our surgery team here at the Folsom ASU is above and beyond. We are such a special team. But to be on the other side and know that you have people, friends, that you know and trust to take the very best care of your son, is indescribable.
Nathan was there for my son (and me) literally from the day he got hurt until surgery day and into recovery. I can't thank him enough. Everything worked out, just like he said it would.
Thank you, God. Thank you Nathan!
He couldn't get up, and we brought him to the ED in SSC. There he got an X-ray confirming no broken bones, but our next steps would be to contact his pediatrician and request a referral to ortho for an MRI.
The next day, I spoke to Nathan and told him what happened and the urgency needed to get the ball rolling because my son is a Comp Athlete- playing both school and club ball for the last 6 years. He needed surgery ASAP so the recovery process could start. He got right on it and assisted my son in getting his MRI done the following week. I was so grateful for the timeliness and the understanding of how important this was to my son and our family.
But the results turned out to be absolutely devastating, as it showed a full ACL tear along with meniscal tears and bone bruising. My son was heartbroken. He could not play in school playoffs. And there'd be no going to Nationals with his club team over the summer. Two seasons were gone.
The next feat would be for my son to get a scheduled surgery with our amazing pediatric ortho surgeon. The sooner, the better. His surgery was subsequently scheduled.
During the wait, Nathan explained to me what would happen during the surgery, what to expect, and recovery tips, and he was amazing at answering any and all questions I had, night or day. He was always there with answers, follow-ups, and encouragement. My son has never had a major surgery, so for me to talk about "Nurse Nathan" since the very day after he got hurt has been so reassuring to my son.
That morning, he finally got to meet him, and he looked so relieved. Nathan knew my son's story and told him he'd be with him the entire time in the operating room. He even asked what type of music he'd like going in. He chose Morgan Wallen, of course.
Nathan maintained communication with me during the procedure, and as he wheeled him out to Recovery, he said those words every parent wants to hear after their child goes through something like this: "He crushed it. He went in, feeling good, and it was a good repair."
Our surgery team here at the Folsom ASU is above and beyond. We are such a special team. But to be on the other side and know that you have people, friends, that you know and trust to take the very best care of your son, is indescribable.
Nathan was there for my son (and me) literally from the day he got hurt until surgery day and into recovery. I can't thank him enough. Everything worked out, just like he said it would.
Thank you, God. Thank you Nathan!
Thank you, Nate, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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