Lauren's constant smile and joyful attitude helped very much in maintaining a positive and hopeful hospital stay. But more than that, we explained how we live over 2 hours away and needed to know what to do should my husband's speaking valve (trach) get damaged since we were only given 1 and he would need it for 3 + months. She took the time to figure out a solution for us! At first, she learned no one knew how we would be able to get an alternate valve. I explained with my husband's excess drainage, and the fact he works on our farm, one valve can easily get damaged. I was confused about why we could have received only one. Lauren continued to research a solution for us. She was told we could request a replacement from the providers, and they could ship it to us at that time.
This being my husband's second time dealing with a trach due to his cancer, I explained that would leave him without a speaking valve for a few days, not to mention that due to his drainage the last time he had one, we had to leave one soakingseveral times during the day and switch out the 2nd valve while it would soak long enough to get the crusty drainage loose without damaging the valve. Lauren continued to try and solve our dilemma and came back all excited with a big smile that she was able to have one sent to us immediately! This was such a relief to both my husband and I. Barnes is lucky to have Lauren!