In early April, I faced one of the scariest experiences of my life: a laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy to remove a 7-inch mass on my ovary. On top of the physical fear & anxiety surrounding surgery itself, I didn't know yet whether the mass was benign or not, which heightened my emotional distress even more. I was overwhelmed, terrified & full of uncertainty. That's when I met Serena, my pre-surgery nurse - and at that time, everything began to shift. Serena was everything. I didn't know I needed in the moment: warm, kind, heartfelt & very compassionate.

From the start, she treated me not just like a patient, but like someone she truly cared about -as if I was a friend. She was beyond kind and even shared some of her own medical experiences, which helped me feel less alone. She went above & beyond to comfort me, allowing my husband to come back & sit with me before I was taken into surgery. That meant the world to me!! She was accommodating, gentle, & so incredibly thoughtful with every interaction. She never made me feel like a burden. What touched me the most was that she promised to check on me after surgery, and she did!! She came to see me afterward, just to make sure I was okay. She once again treated me like a friend.

Serena will likely never know just how much of a difference she made to me at that point & time, but I will never forget her. Her presence & attitude during such a vulnerable, frightening time brought me comfort I desperately needed. She is truly everything a nurse should be & more!

Note: This is Serena's 3rd DAISY Award!