My sister was admitted into the hospital with a pulmonary embolism and blood clots in her leg. I should mention that my sister has Down's Syndrome, and functions at a low level since she had contracted COVID pneumonia. She had been hospitalized for the COVID pneumonia and came home shell-shocked. Isolation had not been good for her, so she was very afraid to go back into the hospital again. Upon her admittance, she refused to talk to anyone most of the time, including me. Then Sandi came into her room and they bonded. I could tell by the look on her face that she was listening to everything Sandi was telling her, and while she did not often respond with words, you could tell that she thought of Sandi as someone she trusted and cared about. Sandi was compassionate, deeply caring, and no-nonsense. She was exactly what my sister needed during this traumatic time. I, myself, could not have wanted anyone better suited for her. She felt safe with Sandi, so much so that she did not want to come home. I find this to be astounding and an extraordinary relationship that was established between them.

For me, as my sister's caregiver, I am, and forever will be, eternally grateful for Sandi. She comforted me, listened to me, and calmed my fears and anxieties. Sandi is, by far, a blessing to not only Newton Medical Center but also to nursing. Her compassion, gentleness, and knowledge surpass anything I have encountered in a hospital setting. I feel blessed to have had her take care of my sister. She suggested my sister be seen by a speech therapist and a cognitive therapist. No one else had offered that. She also gave me information and possible other avenues to explore to give my sister a more fulfilling life. She cares. More than I can describe, and that is why she so richly is a DAISY Nurse.