May 2026 Honoree
Sandy Stetz-Desmarais, RN
Sandy is amazing! Our 9-year-old son came in for surgery, and he was quite scared and unsure of what might happen. Sandy immediately made him feel comfortable and relaxed by sitting at the foot of his bed and explaining simple things to him, such as why he would wear the hospital gown instead of his own clothes.
She told us she was a Grandma and what her grandkids call her, so he started calling her "Grandma Sandy". They bonded over discussing their favorite sports teams (the MN Twins, Timberwolves, and Vikings). She made him laugh with her jokes, and he was so excited to tell her about his silly dream he had the night before.
She promised him all the popsicles he could have when he woke up and kept telling him, "You're the boss", which just made him light up. He soon told us, "Mom, I kind of regret being scared," with a big smile on his face.
We're so grateful he had such a positive experience in the pre-op area! Thank you for alleviating his fears and bringing him joy and comfort!
She told us she was a Grandma and what her grandkids call her, so he started calling her "Grandma Sandy". They bonded over discussing their favorite sports teams (the MN Twins, Timberwolves, and Vikings). She made him laugh with her jokes, and he was so excited to tell her about his silly dream he had the night before.
She promised him all the popsicles he could have when he woke up and kept telling him, "You're the boss", which just made him light up. He soon told us, "Mom, I kind of regret being scared," with a big smile on his face.
We're so grateful he had such a positive experience in the pre-op area! Thank you for alleviating his fears and bringing him joy and comfort!
Thank you, Sandy, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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