Suzy Columbus was nominated for going above and beyond in providing compassionate, uplifting care as a patient advocate. As Case Manager on the oncology unit, Suzy spends time with her patients to understand the family dynamics, concerns, and wishes of the patient and family. She is known to sit in her office with a patient's family and cry with them as they make the tough decisions that come with end of life care on an oncology unit.

One of many situations that demonstrate the scope of her compassion is when she adopted the dog of one of our terminally ill patients. Suzy bonded with a 54 year old patient who had a little Yorkie and only one daughter (who lived out of state). The patient was really concerned about who would care for her dog. Suzy gave the patient her contact information and offered to take the dog if needed. A couple of weeks later, the patient called Suzy and said, "I don't think I can take care of her anymore". Suzy adopted the dog and face-timed with the patient every night so she could see her little dog. When the patient was admitted to our hospital again, Suzy brought the dog up for a visit. The patient was afraid the dog had forgotten her but Suzy has photos and a video to prove that wasn't the case! The face-time visits continued and when the patient was transferred to inpatient hospice, Suzy brought the dog to see the patient one last time. Suzy's compassion allowed this patient to have peace that her pet was in good hands and would be well loved.