There are no words to describe how big an impact Vanessa had on our family's battle with cancer. Vanessa was with A through this fight since A was admitted to Westwood. From the time A and Vanessa first met they had an instant bond. She brought a sense of calm and reassurance to A. In fact, A called me after being admitted and felt so encouraged by meeting Vanessa. Having breast cancer is scary enough. Having it while pregnant and then metastasizing to your brain and inducing your baby at week 32 is a downright nightmare. Vanessa was an angel to us during those horrible and frightening times.

Throughout our almost two weeks stay in Labor and Delivery and Post-Partum Vanessa was always caring for A. Aside from her duties as a nurse she spent much of her time talking with A. Every time she visited A, I could see A's spirits lifted through her calming and uplifting influence.

In the weeks and months following delivery, Vanessa continued to care for A during her free time. She continually came by to see A on her breaks and after shifts. Vanessa would combine her lunch and breaks together so she could both spend time with A and also give me time to me to re-energize. The hours she spent after her shift also gave me time for a quiet meal before I came back to care for my wife. She would sit and hold A's hand late into the night during some of the most horrific moments when the brain cancer really hurt A. She not only cared for A, but for me as well. Those hours I got to sit outside in quiet helped me to be able to care better for my wife. I do not know what my wife or I would have done without Vanessa.

Breast cancer is a disease that has affected Vanessa's family and for years she has done fundraisers and walks. In November, Vanessa did a 60 mile walk in honor of A. She had custom shirts made to wear during the event. This act alone lifted A's spirits and helped energize her to continue the fight. Vanessa's group donated a comfort blanket to A early in the fight which A kept on her constantly. That blanket provided her with comfort and strength. She knew she was not alone.

A's favorite place to visit was Hawaii. In yet another example of Vanessa going above and beyond, Vanessa's group also had fresh leis from Hawaii donated for the funeral which were absolutely beautiful and a wonderful gift and tribute to A. It warmed my heart to see so many people wearing leis and helped her funeral be a celebration of her life.

The caring and thoughtful nature that Vanessa possess is genuine and amazing. The mental and spiritual aspect of dealing with cancer is enormous and Vanessa was instrumental in A's fight. From her visits where she got A to laugh and joke around to the times where she held A's hand while A was very sick, Vanessa was simply amazing. Vanessa has found her calling in life. She is a healer.

She is family to us now and we are blessed to have her in our lives.