When I heard the word “Cancer” I immediately cried and then I was paralyzed with anxiety and fear. I had just been transported to your hospital and all my family was of the state and it would be hours before they could reach me. I remember sitting on the side of the bed, back towards the door with my face in my hands sobbing. I was 54 and I didn’t drink, never smoked, and how could I have pancreatic cancer?

When a nurse walked in, she herself had cancer and with her bright smile and compassionate voice was able to give me hope where moments before I had none. It was the end of her shift, time for her to leave and head home to pack for an anniversary getaway with her family. Instead, she asked my permission to stay with me until my family could get there. Over the next few hours, we just sat together, sometimes we talked about her journey, sometimes what my next steps would be. I was able to cry or laugh, whatever I was needing at that moment. At one point she just sat there holding my hand in silence just letting me take it all in. Somehow this stranger knew just what I needed even when I didn’t.

Over the next few days, my family also recognized the gift she had for comforting me as she came in and out of my room checking on me and my two daughters whose lives had just changed overnight. February 2021 would change our lives forever but the kindness I was shown gave me the strength to fight and that can’t be taught in nursing school, that comes from the heart. This young lady needs to be recognized. I have had chemo then the Whipple and just finished three months of chemo once more. At this moment, I am cancer-free.

Note: This is Brooke's 2nd DAISY Award!