You never met me and before the beginning of the year, there were a lot of people within Premier I had not met. Cancer changed all of that and in fact, cancer times two changed the faces of the people I would meet on this new journey. The fear I felt and to be honest still feel was incredible. Names of cancers to learn, tests I have never heard of; treatments that made my mind say what is that?; Why do I need it?; and How can I get the answers I need to make the right decision for me? Ma’am at 63 old, it was extremely hard to come face to face with my own mortality. I tried to have my daughter whose husband had kidney cancer be an advocate and that did not work.

Premier Health did not let me know down and in what I will call my darkness, Karla Brummel, MSN, RN appeared. She was appointed as my Oncology Nurse Navigator, and I was truly blessed with given the best. I wish I could put into words the difference Karla has made. There has not been a question that has gone unanswered, there is not a procedure that has gone unexplained. There has not been a time when she was not there to listen and help me deal with the fear racing through me. Her knowledge, patience, compassion, were felt in every interaction I had with Karla. I do not know who decided to assign me your best but a huge thank you to them.

My journey with lymphoma and carcinoma is far from over. I have more procedures to have, doctors & nurses to meet along the way. I know Karla will not travel the complete journey with me, but I will, in the back of my mind know that there was someone who walked WITH me; not just behind or ahead of me. She deserves this award and exemplifies all the criteria for a DAISY nurse. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give something back to someone who has made such a difference.