My father was scheduled for surgery, and his heparin, prescribed for blood clots in his lungs, was stopped at midnight in preparation for a noon procedure. Unfortunately, the surgery was repeatedly delayed throughout the day. When I arrived around 5:30 p.m., I was surprised and concerned to find that he was still waiting, having been told all day that he was “next.”

During this time, my father remained without food, water, or his necessary medication. When I spoke with his nurse, Stephanie Homa, I expressed concern about how long he had gone without heparin and asked if he could at least have some water. While she initially followed what she had been told, that surgery was imminent, she did not stop there.

Stephanie took it upon herself to investigate further. Rather than accepting the repeated updates at face value, she contacted the OR directly to get clarity. Because of her persistence and advocacy, she discovered that the surgery had in fact been canceled.

She immediately acted to correct the situation. She provided my father with water, something he had gone without all day, and made sure he was able to eat. Most importantly, she ensured his safety by facilitating the restart of his heparin, recognizing that he had been off this critical medication for far longer than intended.

Stephanie went above and beyond in every sense. She sought answers. She acted. Her attentiveness, critical thinking, and compassion not only made my father more comfortable but also protected his well-being.

She made a lasting impression on our entire family. Stephanie is the kind of nurse every patient hopes to have, someone who listens, advocates, and truly makes a difference. We will never forget the care she provided.

Thank you, Stephanie, for your outstanding dedication and for the difference you made in my father’s care.