This delivery was my first at Tampa General Hospital. I was nervous as can be expected. As I was being explained all the risks of surgery and what could potentially happen if anything were to go wrong. I was just a mess. Nurse Iris Galo was the best thing that could have happened at that moment. I think maybe she sensed my nerves/emotions, and I felt as though she took control of the situation which I couldn’t.

She reassured me that yes, these are risks but ultimately, this team was here to take care of both me and my baby before anything else. Iris was with me from pre-op to the delivery and then through my recovery. It was great to have that constant support and to see a familiar face. It made me feel like I was more of a person and less of a patient that she was going through the motions with. I understand that these nurses see more patients and more surgeries than I can count but this day I felt more secure in knowing that I was her patient and her only focus in that moment. I am eternally grateful.