My family and I returned to the unit knowing everything would be OK. I was in the best of hands of the nursing staff, who constantly showed my family that I had true support from the folks at Kaiser and me. After my reversal, I was placed on the other side of the unit in a different room. I spent four days in that room recovering and healing in a quiet, respectful manner. Months later, I was admitted yet again to Department 235 before an impending surgery with doctor "S" for my stomach. Luckily, I was assigned to the best room in the unit! I was so excited to again return to the unit to recover before and after my surgery. The care I received from these awesome nurses put me at ease before entering the OR. It was late at night when my surgery concluded, and my family went home. I woke up the next morning only to have Melanie care for me for the next few days. Melanie and I had connected during my recovery from my ostomy surgery. She helped me again by encouraging me to walk, eat, care for myself, and speak up when I was in pain. I cannot thank her enough for making such a difference in my life. She is beyond exceptional at being a nurse, and her connection with patients to encourage them to get well is inspiring to me. After my surgery with doctor "S" and my return to Department 235, I was again admitted for the 4th time due to a complication of the surgery and procedure, resulting in pancreatitis. The staff pretty much knew who I was from previous admissions and again provided support, care, and treatment to my family and me in a way that has been incalculable to us. For me, each visit to Kaiser is different, oftentimes resulting in the admission of different ailments. The treatment I received from the entire nursing staff inspired me to give back to my community and be a support to those patients who have chronic illnesses and diseases. After my last admission to Department 235, I gained enough trust and motivation in myself to try and do what the nursing staff did for me. I became an ostomy patient coach at a medical device company to educate, equip, and empower those affected by ostomy surgery before and after their procedures. The inspiration and motivation in doing the work I do came from the compassionate and personalized care at Kaiser from doctors, nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, home health nurses, and student nutrition partners who delivered my food. I am who I am because of each of them! They might not think they are changing lives, but they are sure changing mine! In conclusion of my nomination, I want to thank each person on Department 235 for being there for me! I don't know if I would've had the motivation to get well and recover each time without the above and beyond care I received from these incredibly caring individuals. Thank you, Department 235 staff, for making my world a better place!