I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Within a week of my diagnosis, my health had declined rapidly, and I found myself admitted to the hospital for a 2 week stay. Myeloma is often accompanied by bone pain and bone loss, both of which I had a great deal of. This meant I needed several surgical interventions to repair already broken bones and prevent further fractures from taking plan. Needless to say, the cancer had weakened my bones to the point where I was placed on strict bedrest at the hospital.

I had some great nurses during this time, but Tanya was an absolute godsend. I can confidently say I would have had a very different experience if not for her. Bed rest meant I wasn’t able to shower/wash my hair, and Tanya was the first and only nurse to grab a foaming shower cap so we could wash my hair in bed. She made sure to drive my hospital bed with the utmost care and advocate for me and my fragile bones when the pain was so bad, I could barely get a word out. She offered constant comfort during the countless tests and scans that were performed. She even stayed late one night to sit with me while I received a full-body MRI. She could have easily left when her shift was over, but she didn’t. She wanted to make sure I finished the test and got back to my room safely.

Tanya was such a light in an otherwise very dark time for me. Everything she did was with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, and she consistently made me laugh when I thought I’d forgotten how. Words will never be able to express how much everything she did meant to me and my family, who couldn’t be there during this time. There is no one more deserving of recognition for going above and beyond. I will cherish Tanya’s kindness for as long as I live.