I am writing today to commend the actions of a Registered Nurse, Sara Rollin. Last Sunday morning was the second scariest day of my life. Just over a year ago I had a heart attack which changed my life forever. This past Sunday I felt exactly how I did last year. I thought I was dying, and I thought at 48 years of age, I was having my second heart attack and would ultimately leave a 2 year old without a parent. My wife called for emergency services and they took me to University Hospital for care. My life has not been easy in recent years, and I've lost a majority of my entire family in the past 3 years. Going to a hospital scares me to no end, and the thought of having a heart attack and dying increased what was already terrible anxiety. That is when Nurse Sara walked into the room. She was very near the end of her shift, she, I am sure was exhausted and now she had a cardiac patient with major anxiety on her hands. She entered with a smile and a calm demeanor and told me everything would be fine. In a short amount of time, she took me from a nervous wreck, shaking, practically in tears, to calmer, and able to assist in my treatment. She checked on me, talked to me, got my life story, asked questions, and showed genuine interest in who I was as a person, not the heart patient. She was quick to relay to the doctor any needs I had and eventually gave me medicine for my anxiety, which, honestly, she had cut in half just with her presence. I wish I could say she could solve the cardiac problem herself, but alas she couldn't, she did help me remain calm and at peace while they worked. I am pleased to say that I am now doing better, and I am better for having Nurse Sara in my life for the brief time she was with me.

A small bit of background on me will help. I'm 48, a newly transitioned transgender woman, who was been struggling with gender identity since the age of 15. I am a heart patient, a pulmonary patient, and a gender patient. The idea of going to an ED where they won't understand my gender transition horrified me; Nurse Sara handled it with grace, humility, and acceptance. She treated me with respect and brought her pure joy of her career to the table while helping take care of me. Finally, I will just say, that the world is a better place for having her in it. I hope, and pray that you will recognize her for her skill and passion. On one of the worst days of my life, when I truly felt I would die, she saved me with her passion and care, and I will forever be grateful.​