I had an acoustic neuroma removed and spent two days in ICU. The nurses were all great, however, Braenne was exactly what I needed on day 2. I felt that morning that nothing was ever going to get better for me until she walked in. There was such a light of positivity and caring when she walked into the room. She helped me set goals right away for the day. As a teacher, I really appreciate that because she wrote them for me to see and then we went to work to meet those goals. I was told I could go home that day by the doctors, or I could stay another day if I felt I needed to and of course my first reaction was to STAY in the safety of the room. Without even knowing it Brea's gentle humor and positive attitude set my mind on a different course. She helped me believe in my ability to work hard that day to get to the point where I would feel ok to leave.

I wish I had the exact words to describe Brea... passionate, empathetic, cheerleader...all in one. She listened to my story and gave me small suggestions that worked for me and what I'm passionate about. What touched my heart was the fact she knew how horrible I felt I looked, and she got my scarf and comb and went to work so I could leave UCSD with dignity and pride that I was an acoustic neuroma warrior!!! I felt so good I had to snap a picture of the two of us. Brea went above and beyond with a day of little things that made me feel like a warrior.

I wish I could thank her again because she probably has no idea how much she meant to me that day. Not only did she treat me with dignity but treated my husband with kindness and respect and made us both laugh during a stressful time, and we love to laugh! It was like she read the room and us and knew how to make us both comfortable.

I hope she gets to read this because I know she thought she would be a cardiac nurse when she went into nursing, but I feel like she is exactly where she needs to be- neurology. I am sure UCSD has many good nurses, but Braeanne is exceptional. She made me feel heard. She made me feel comforted while recovering from a brain tumor. She made me feel like a person and not just the patient. She is my hero and the person I will never forget during a very challenging time in my life. Thank you, Nurse Burney, you mean the world to me, and I know you are making difference to so many people and I want you to know how much it is appreciated.