I am writing this nomination on behalf of a patient. The patient is a 21-year-old girl, recently diagnosed with overwhelming cancer. The patient is scared, having never been sick a day in her life, she did not know how to handle a cancer diagnosis. The patient was a fit, athletic runner until she thought she pulled a muscle at the gym. Fast forward to a week later, learning she had a pelvic mass and that she had fluid in both lungs. The athlete then had to undergo many painful and overwhelming procedures, such as a PICC line placement, thoracentesis, followed by a huge open incision from surgery with multiple tubes and drains. Her parents had to go from having an active healthy happy child to having to cope with a child fighting for their life.
Sarah Zazoulin has been truly amazing! She has provided compassionate, professional care above and beyond. She has answered questions and when parents have been overwhelmed and repeat themselves, she has answered as if it were the first time asked. When the epidural was making the patient itch, Sarah got lotion and soothed her. When the patient was waking up scared, Sarah provided answers and reassurance that this was expected. Having a professional let you know that this could happen or answer a question when you are overwhelmed is amazing. Sarah makes this patient feel as if she is the only patient that she is caring for when we all know that this is not true.
Sarah is amazing and so deserving of a DAISY Award. Her compassion, understanding, and demeanor have made the difference in this young woman's fight. She has gone from being overwhelmed to seeing a beacon of light and as hope restored thanks to Sarah.