Recently, I went through the worst time of my life and had to be hospitalized at Illinois Masonic Hospital for eight days. It was a scary experience and one I hope to never again experience. For the first time in my life, I was cut off from society, and had to rely on strangers; the staff at Illinois Masonic. My nurse, Hayley Lucas, was absolutely amazing. She encouraged me to focus on myself and getting well. She literally stopped what she was doing one day and told me to concentrate on myself and my needs. She was so positive and always had something to say that I needed to hear. She stood out to me as someone who has chosen her profession based on her innate need to care for others.