Yvonne Thurston's nomination centered on the story of a patient who was admitted to Saint Agnes for a number of health issues that resulted in him becoming ventilator dependent and tube fed after a tracheostomy. Yvonne formed a bond with the patient as he spent several months, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and his own birthday mostly in the IMCU. She encouraged the patient to get out of bed and even arranged for a friend to visit the patient after he requested a haircut and shave-his first in six months.

As time went on, the patient decided he did not want to fight any longer and no longer wanted life-sustaining treatment. The decision was very difficult for Yvonne and the other nurses on the unit, but she took action to make the most of his remaining time. She arranged to fulfill his requests to watch the new Avengers movie, eat apple pie and watch the sunset.

Unfortunately, the patient's condition worsened before all of the requests could be met. But when his family was called in, Yvonne came in on her day off to join them. Her efforts allowed her patient to pass on in comfort, with people who cared deeply about him at his side.

After witnessing Yvonne's dedication, her nominator shared in her nomination, "I am very proud to say that I work side-by-side with such an incredible nurse and person."