My son was diagnosed with high-risk Hodgkin Lymphoma 4B this summer. He is in his junior year of high school excelling in math and science. Instead of touring colleges like his friends this fall, he has been receiving chemo at Children's. Needless to say, it has not been a typical last few months. They say there is light at the end of the tunnel. Well, I could not agree more. (My son is in remission and is currently getting his last dose of chemo today as I sit and write this nomination).

I have also realized that there is light through this tunnel as well. That light comes in the form of caregivers who are remarkably fearless and confident in their ability to help patients. In our case, it came in the form of Ryan. He cared for my son nearly every time we came to the clinic. Some of the time he will be working at the front desk when we arrive and I audibly sigh in relief knowing that my son will be in the very best hands. He somehow has the ability to juggle every patient at once, all while making me feel like my son is the only one on his docket.

I recall one clinic visit where another patient was having a hard time. The area is rather open and multiple patients are receiving chemo all at the same time. The room was filled with frenetic energy and everyone was running around working to calm this patient and family. Nothing seemed to be normal and everyone seemed on edge while an appropriate plan was implemented. My son was unfortunately experiencing a side effect of his chemo all at the same time. Somehow Ryan appeared to be in two places at the same time. He was caring for my son and the other patient simultaneously. I have no clue how he did this. I remember shaking my head and saying out loud, "I don't know how he does it". You know what though - I am so glad he does!