Telling a story, you never thought you'd ever write. My strapping, handsome 52-year-old husband was diagnosed with cancer. We knew he was sick, had been through EDs, clinics, etc., and had seen so many nurses most didn't feel the need to be compassionate or even kind. We then chose our oncologist. We felt his genuine caring personality along with his knowledge. We made our first appointment in the Cancer Clinic. He took my husband’s history and set up his treatment plan, then called in the nurse to manage his care. Here he came in, this wonderful young man. He said, "I'm Ryan and I am going to manage your appointments, care, and needs. Here is my card. Call anytime you need to." 

Three times a week, we had cancer care clinic appointments and we were assigned to Ryan. What a breath of fresh air. Sometimes we had more than 3 appts. As my husband started Chemo, he started becoming very ill and I found myself calling Ryan daily. He never once blew us off or didn't call us back. Several times, I rushed my husband to the clinic and Ryan was waiting for us. He always had the right advice and answers. As my husband was admitted to the hospital, it was Ryan that picked him up off the floor, put him in the wheelchair, took his vitals and ran him to the ED, and told a coworker to bring me there personally. She did. I got there as Ryan directed the ED as to what was going on. My husband was "crashing". They stabilized him and took him to the ICU. He reassured me I got him there in time. He saved my husbands' life. Thank you, Ryan. 

While in ICU, here comes a visitor. It was Ryan. My husband's eyes lit up and he again felt safe. It's been 4 going on 5 months. He still has Ryan, just a phone call away to give my husband that safe, well-taken-care-of feeling. Even though we no longer go to the cancer clinic, I could not have taken this journey without the GREATEST RN in the whole wide world. You're a gift to your profession. Thank you, Ryan!