Since my son was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia last year, we have had the pleasure of spending many days with Kathy. She has been special to me and my son since our first encounter. She always goes above and beyond to see that not only my son is cared for but also does anything possible to see that I am as comfortable as a mother can be while being in the hospital with a chronically ill child. She tends to our every request no matter how large or small and does so as quickly and efficiently as she can. There have been many instances in which I have approached her with questions or concerns even when she hasn't been our assigned nurse at that time.
We have grown very fond of Kathy as a nurse, but also respect her for the commitment she shows to her job and the passion that radiates from her face when she speaks of her love for the children she cares for. My son can be difficult at times but I have yet to see him hesitate to do anything she asks of him. He loves her and that makes everything far less stressful for me as a mom. I can't possibly list specifically everything she has done but I would like to mention two situations specifically in which Kathy helped more than anyone at the hospital.
My son was diagnosed a few days before Christmas and as a result, my family spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day on into the New Year on the 2nd floor. Kathy was our very first nurse. My mom, as well as my three younger children, stayed with Jacob and me over Christmas. Eventually, my mom and daughters relocated to the Ronald McDonald house, but my high-strung 6-year-old son spent his Christmas break with us. Kathy was amazing. My mother took to her very quickly and frequently asks about her even now. She was so good to us. She went out of her way to help me entertain all 3 of my children, made sure I always had everything I needed and went out of her way daily to comfort me through my anxieties, fear, and frustrations. She listened even when I'm certain she had other things needing her attention. She eased my anxieties by providing useful tips and helpful educational material whenever she could. She sent additional staff members to further assist me as needed. She helped me realize that my concern for breaking my son after returning home with him was a reasonable and not irrational fear. She helped boost my confidence and sent us home feeling better prepared and less overwhelmed. I've grown to love her and have thanked God for her ever since.
In another situation, Kathy actually played the role of a respectable mediator when my son and I were caught in a miscommunicated forced bed-time that created a panicked 8-year-old and a very stressful calming process left for me to deal with. I questioned her and she clarified things in a way that calmed my son and me. Kathy is a true DAISY Nurse.