September 2018
Sara
Houston
,
RN
Calaway Young Cancer Center
Valley View Hospital
Glenwood Springs
,
CO
United States
In July 2016 I was diagnosed with cancer. It is a day I will never forget as it marked the beginning of a very long and difficult battle. A battle that has been challenging, but also quite remarkable. I have met and been cared for by many amazing people at the Calaway Young Center, but one stands out for her compassion and dedication. She has been a part of my journey from the very beginning of my treatment. I remember our first time meeting as she came to greet me at one of my first radiation treatments. It was then I was first told about the walk and talk group which I have attended regularly since then. She has always been right by my side at my appointments asking all the right questions and taking detailed notes. Last summer I faced a life-threatening situation when my bowel perforated after a lung surgery. I lost an incredible amount of weight and became very ill from internal infections and malnutrition. It was Sara who refused to let me fall through the cracks. She would call me at home to check on me, make sure I was seen by the appropriate doctors, and keeping my spirits up. She was a key player in my healing process. Any time I had an issue with a bill, getting an appointment or just needed a hug for support I knew I could always count on her. As I continue to face challenges in my cancer battle, I am extremely grateful to have such a dedicated nurse on my team and am proud to now call her my friend. I believe she deserves to be recognized and celebrated for the extraordinary person that she is.