I am a friend/neighbor of a patient who was going to Rachel’s department to have a procedure. I was providing her with transportation to/from the surgery. My friend is a widow of approximately 1.5 years, and her life was being devastated by severe grief. This complicated grief led my friend into a deep depression and severe and progressing alcoholism and substance abuse. The week leading up to her scheduled surgery was exceptionally difficult as my friend experienced multiple falls and was noted on several occasions to be slurring, extremely emotional, and very unsteady on her feet. She was truly on a path to death. She was very underweight, and she experienced a fall two days before her scheduled surgery that resulted in a busted nose and face trauma.

Upon arrival to the department, we were greeted by Rachel. I notified her of my friend’s condition, as she was in no shape to have major surgery. Rachel immediately jumped into action. She recognized the severity of the situation right away and did not hesitate to help. She, very professionally, questioned my friend and made the correct call to notify the surgeon of the need to cancel the surgery. After learning that my friend had already attempted and failed outpatient treatment, Rachel made it her mission to make sure my friend received the help she needed that day! She went so far above and beyond that I cannot even express in words the magnitude and impact of her efforts. Ultimately, after hours of work, she was able to find an inpatient rehab center for my friend. She coordinated the admission process and was a huge factor in my friend even agreeing to go to treatment. She was so gentle, non-judgmental, understanding, and persistent. Her ability to listen and problem-solve was second to none. For example, my friend made a statement that the only thing she drank that morning was ginger ale. Approximately 1 hour after my friend made that statement, Rachel brought her a ginger ale. My friend did not even have to ask for it. She was just that thoughtful.

All this being said, Rachel literally saved my friend’s life that day. Since COVID-19, many healthcare workers appear to have become unattached, and they just go through the motions; however, Rachel truly restored my faith in the healthcare system with her actions. She did so much that was not required of her, and I will always remember her and her efforts. We really need more healthcare workers like Rachel! She makes the world a better place.