We were in the hospital 2 different weeks and Sarah was the absolute best. She had great skills but most of all had the compassion we needed. A is 29 years old and we have three young children who are 5, 2, and 5 months and he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. This is what A wrote about her: "The war continues but I believe that I am winning the battle each and every day. It's been almost a week since I was discharged from the hospital and things have been going very well. I think most people would assume that discharge day will be a joyous event, but leaving the hospital last week was a very emotional experience for me. For almost the entire month of March, I was either in the care of a nurse or speaking with a nurse on the phone every day. I met with surgeons, palliative care, dietitians, physical therapists, and oncology on a daily basis to try to get everything right before sending me home. The University of Kansas has so many talented professionals and I'm lucky to have them 30 minutes away from my home. As I reflected on everything I had been through, there was one person who I truly believe was my angel. Anyone who knows me also knows the amount of respect I have for nurses. My wife is a nurse, my mom is a nurse, I have two sisters-in-law who are nurses, and I know what kind of work they do each day. This one person who was my angel at KU was also a nurse, her name is Sarah. Sarah worked several shifts during both of my hospitalizations and there was something about her that made me feel very comfortable with everything that was happening. She listened to every word I said and made me feel like I mattered like I wasn't just another patient.
When it was time to go, my wife left with our daughter to get the car, and Sarah pushed me in my wheelchair down to the front entrance. It was at that moment I broke down and just told her what was on my mind, my concerns, my frustrations, my fears, and she did what she had always done and listened to everything I had to say. Sarah gave me a big hug and she reassured me that I will win this fight. When a person signs up to be a nurse, it's much more than putting in IVs, giving medications, and checking for vitals. It's a lifestyle that requires compassion, love, and hope even in the darkest times. I know the doctors make the calls, but I truly believe nurses have the greatest opportunity to impact a patient's life. I'll never forget Sarah and the way she treated my wife and me, and she will always have a place in our hearts." Also, a huge shout out to all the nurses on Cambridge 7 as well. Thank you for the wonderful care to A and our whole family!