My dad started coming to the VA in 2017 for routine care and then eventually specialty care in the Renal Clinic as he had chronic kidney disease. He and my mom met Michelle during a pre-dialysis education class where he was the only patient that day. After the class, he said, "That Michelle was just great!" This is a huge compliment from my dad as he was picky about his providers. He appreciated her taking the time to get to know him, what was important to him, his concerns about one day needing dialysis, and addressing each one of their questions/concerns.
Flash forward to 2019 and an abrupt change in his condition that lead to starting hemodialysis and then peritoneal dialysis. My dad had several good months because of the care Michelle and the entire dialysis unit (hemodialysis and home PD program) provided him and for that my mom and I are eternally grateful. In 2020 my dad's heart became weaker and dialysis became more of a struggle for him- Michelle saw this and started the conversation with him about how he wanted to live out the remainder of his life; working in critical care I know how difficult these conversations are to have but I couldn't be more thankful she started to have them with my dad. She gave my family and my dad peace at the end of a long battle. If he could, he would give her every award possible for the compassion she showed every day but in those last few weeks, he would so on behalf of my dad my mom, and my entire family, Thank you Michelle for the gift you gave us, precious time that he was comfortable and surrounded by his family.
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It is incredible that my husband and I have another extraordinary VA provider in our lives and who is, we believe, deserving of public acknowledgment and gratitude. We are proud to nominate Michele Kenny Shields for The Daisy Award.
My husband and I met in kindergarten, started dating in our junior year of high school, and got engaged in 1967. When my new fiancé told me he volunteered for South East Asia, I did not realize at the time, that it translated to Vietnam. By some quirk, a senior Air Force officer stopped him one day and told him he "saved his life" by changing his orders to Thailand. Little did we know the fate that awaited.
My husband did spend some time in Vietnam, but his assignment was at Karat Air Force Base. For most of 1968, his primary duty was patrolling the perimeter of the base. At the time, he was aware that the jungle kept receding from the spraying that was done but everyone was told it was safe. We were married shortly before his discharge in 1969 and we began our life together. I was a radiation oncology technician and he started what turned out to be a 47-year career in banking.
Little did we know that the jungle defoliant that they sprayed was Agent Orange. Soon enough his body knew. Early-onset Diabetes/I led to cardiac issues and a heart attack. Over the years, one organ after another was affected and after 51 years of marriage, my husband is now at home with Palliative Care.
"Palliative". That word would have been terrifying had it not been explained to us by Nurse Practitioner, Michele Kenny Shields. Last year, he had multiple admissions to the VA hospital in Oakland. During one of the hospital stays, Michelle arranged a meeting in my husband's hospital room with the chaplain, a palliative care team member, and herself. They patiently explained what the term meant, the difference between it and Hospice Care, and what resources it could offer to help us through what we would be facing. They answered our questions, and we were comfortable with the new designation and so appreciative of all that the VA is providing.
What is more outstanding, and so significant in this nomination of Michelle for The DAISY Award is that I mentioned to her that I thought our three adult sons were in denial. Indeed, just a few years ago their dad was still refereeing high school football games (albeit in less strenuous positions), and last year he was working out in the gym. Upon hearing my concern, Michelle immediately offered to lead a group, ZOOM meeting, as our oldest son and his family reside in Chicago. The call was set up to accommodate their schedules and the time difference. She went over the disease processes, what we could expect, what all can be done, and what cannot be done. Michelle emphasized that the VA would treat all of his symptoms, but they cannot cure his medical issues. She answered all of our questions and I finally reached a comfort level that everyone finally understood the fragility of their dad's health.
Michele has spearheaded goals for my husband's care and has been ever-present in between her busy work schedule to follow his care during all of his recent admissions and Emergency Room visits. With her at the forefront, she and other providers are working on trying to schedule the appropriate time between procedures as an outpatient to avoid more hospital admissions.
I am not sure that my role as my husband's advocate and his 24/7 caregiver would be as bearable for me physically and mentally if I did not have Michelle advising, educating, listening, and coordinating the plan for his care with the other specialty groups. To my husband, Michelle is so "special" and she is also my "rock". Her unending patience and incredible medical knowledge help me better understand what my husband is going through and that, of course, helps me provide the best care that I can for him. What a valuable asset Michelle is to the VA. My husband knows her value and trusts her with his life.