My mom was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and her treatment plan included both chemotherapy and radiation. During internal radiation, she was extremely weak and in a lot of pain, but Nurse Yolanda was a light during that dark time. She was so gentle, kind, and always treated my mom with care and patience. Because of her small size and the damage chemotherapy had done to her veins, IV placement was difficult, especially without a port. At one point, the fear of getting poked became more painful for my mom than the treatment itself. But Yolanda never rushed. She handled every IV with grace, calmed my mom’s fear with humor and kindness, and always took her time to make the process less traumatic.

What made Yolanda truly special wasn’t just her nursing skills. It was how deeply she connected with us. She always put herself in our shoes and treated us like family. My mom, like many others from an Asian background with limited English, was often too afraid to speak up when something hurt or to say “no” to the healthcare team. She didn’t want to be seen as a difficult or disrespectful patient, so she suffered in silence. I’ll never forget the day Yolanda told her, “(name), don’t be scared to say no if something doesn’t feel right. You have a voice, and it matters.” That moment changed everything. From that day on, my mom began speaking up for herself, advocating for her needs without fear or shame.

Being a nurse is never easy; every specialty comes with its challenges. But in oncology and radiation, where patients are often going through some of the hardest moments of their lives, the emotional and physical toll can be especially heavy. Yet Yolanda always met us with a smile and went above and beyond. She could have simply done her job and moved on, but she chose to listen and to support us in every way she could. She made sure we felt seen and heard. Yolanda understood that nursing isn’t just about giving medication, it’s about compassion, connection, and truly caring for the person. Every morning, when I was overwhelmed with anxiety and unsure how my mom would get through another treatment, Yolanda would reassure me with a calm voice and say, “Your mom is in good hands. It’s just a matter of time; once your mama finishes her treatment, she’ll walk again and smile.” Those words carried me through some of the hardest days of our lives.

It’s now been three months since my mom finished her treatment, and we still talk about Yolanda all the time. She will always have a special place in our hearts and our prayers. Having Yolanda by our side felt like winning the lottery. She wasn’t just a nurse; she was our comfort, our strength, and truly our angel in scrubs.

Thank you, Yolanda, for being an Extraordinary Nurse and an even more extraordinary human being. We love you.