Suzanne Hayward, RN

After many months of extreme health problems, including anemia, infections, transfusions, shortness of breath, swelling, pain, and finally renal failure, I was admitted to Swedish and received the news I would be dead in six months if I did not immediately start dialysis. The thought of spending 15+ hrs/week hooked to a machine upset me greatly, and I started sobbing uncontrollably and gasping for air. Luckily, my nurse that day was Suzanne. When she walked into my room, she didn't tell me to be quiet, or ignore me altogether. Instead, she put her hand on my shoulder, asked me why I was upset, and really listened to me talk for the entire duration of my dialysis, occasionally giving valuable advice or encouragement. Suzanne told me how much I reminded her of her own daughter (who also lives with chronic pain and illness) and encouraged me to keep doing treatment. The next day, she brought me crayons, and coloring pages, and I was happy to introduce her to my mom. Suzanne really deserves this award for her kind heart, compassionate nature, and truly selfless attitude.