My father was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called aplastic anemia, where his body attacks the platelets he produces, making him critical for bruising and bleeding out. After a long journey with treatment plans through our doctors, my dad experienced a brief year or more of normalized health, but we received the devastating news that the aplastic returned, and there was no treatment path for his relapse. Nowadays, my father has labs followed by platelet and blood transfusions twice a week. He has become a staple at John B Amos Cancer Center. We cannot say enough amazing things about the techs and nurses that tend to him. Everyone from the valley drivers to the cafe cashiers and cleaning staff is outstanding. I wanted to highlight one nurse who has gone the extra mile for my dad on many occasions. Her name is Summer Allen. Summer works in infusion. She is highly technical and skilled in administering therapies and inserting intravenous devices. My dad is a very difficult stick. When other nurses can't get his vein (he gets poked a lot), they always call on Summer to get the job done with minimal discomfort to my father. She exhibits excellence at all times in her daily duties. But what makes her so special is she knows and understands her higher calling in this role.
Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Summer Gives! She gives generously of her knowledge. She shares best practices and tips to improve the team and patient experience. She is an emotional therapist to patients and their families who are going through grief, physical pain, and loss. She is keenly aware of patients' reactions to medicines/ therapies and acutely monitors their vitals. The safety of the staff and patients is of primary importance. Summer always gives a beautiful smile and a word of encouragement, and she makes you feel like you always have her full attention and are the most important person in the room (even though I know she has a million other things going on). Summer is genuine. Last week she gave my family the biggest gift. Because of the intense transfusion schedule and the fragility of my dad's health, we have had an emotional and draining few years. We haven't been able to get far from J vac due to my dad getting transfused so often. My aunt wanted to generously host our family (I'm the youngest of three daughters) for a week.