Sarah Butcher 2026, RN

I’m a 14-year-old girl. I have never been in the hospital or been more scared in my life. But Sarah was there.

I came in with a brain tumor, and that day changed my life forever. I was so scared knowing I had to go through surgery and not knowing what was going to happen next. When I made it to the fourth floor, I was terrified of being so far from home, but Sarah made my first hospital experience so much better by helping me feel comfortable in my own room.

The first night she came to take my vitals, she held my hand and told me it would sting a little. Something about her presence made me feel safe. She had a smile that was so bright it lightened the mood every time she walked into my room. Every night she came in with that same big smile to check my vitals, she would joke with me about how late I stayed up and ask me about my day. We laughed together every time she came by.

One night my family came to visit, and I stayed downstairs so long that Sarah had to go tell her boss she had "lost her patient" because she couldn't find me. I scared her to death, but after that she continued to joke about it with me, and we always laughed about it. She even told me that after my surgery she was going to come find my room just to make sure I hadn't changed and was still staying up late like before. That made me smile every time.

Sarah ended up becoming my best friend because, even though I didn't know her very well, she was always there for me. She talked with me, listened to me, and reassured me whenever I had doubts or questions about my surgery or everything I was going through. Being the oldest child doesn't really give you anyone to look up to because you're always expected to set the example. Sarah became the older sister I never had.

From the night I was admitted, my bond with Sarah grew stronger every day. I will hopefully be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Before I leave, I bought Sarah some snacks and thanked her for everything she has done for me. She was such an amazing nurse, but she was an even better listener and friend.

Everyone deserves someone like Sarah… just not my Sarah.