Where do I begin....our journey started back the morning of November 13 when my mom was brought to Baptist ER department. After the entire standard testing during an ED visit, it was determined that my mom needed to be admitted due to a pulmonary embolism and ended up in the Critical Care Unit. She was there November 13 through November 20 before being transferred to 4 Tower. We were very fortunate to have Seth Lopez as her nurse six out of her seven nights in the Critical Care Unit. After Seth cared for her the first 3 nights, we were left to wonder if he could care for my mother again once he return to his return to work. He had also expressed his interest in continuing caring for her. Although my mother was only conscious the first night Seth took care of her, she expressed to us how great he was with her as his patient. Seth was with the family when the physician first informed my mother of the need to intubate her and Seth also had the opportunity to witness when my mother expressed her health care wishes.

My mother fought the battle of the pulmonary embolism, which is the initial cause of her admission but secondary to her recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Seth knowing all what we have been through, he went above and beyond his call of duty. That is the reason why my family and I nominate him for the DAISY Award. He met the "Skilled and Knowledgable" criteria by being prompt and communicating with the family in simple terms and addressing any questions we had. He was "Competent and Professional" and knew what to do and determined how my mother would be better treated. He was "Kind and Gentle" and "Caring and Compassionate" when every night that I was there with my mom, he made sure she was turned, she would have her bed bath and washed her hair. Seth made sure she looked pretty and left her smelling good. Seth ALWAYS was "Family focused and a patient advocate" by allowing our little extended family and friends to visit her as long as we did not interfere with him caring for my mother. He was a patient advocate on her last days by making sure that I was communicated straight up with my moms condition and prognosis.

There was a moment when the physician and Seth expressed that there was nothing else that could be done and reminded us of her health care wishes as she stated before being intubated. That it would be best to make CMO so she can be comforted and cared for with no more pain and suffering. Seth showed his commitment and dedication to excellence. Our family wished that Seth help us as we made her CMO and he guided us through the whole process explaining step by step. Although we did not want to let go, we knew that it was her wish not to be on depending on a ventilator if there was no other treatment available to help her. We wanted Seth to help us say goodbye the same way he helped us when she was first admitted. My siblings and I have adopted him as our "little brother" and will always be remembered for the care he provided my mother and how much he cared for me and my family during this difficult week.