I was fortunate enough to receive a kidney from my brother. Unfortunately, just three days after the operation I developed acute cellular rejection of my new kidney. Subsequently, I remained in the hospital for eight long and terrible days. During my stay, I had many things go wrong and had to relinquish any semblance of pride or prudence. It was all a blur to me, at times I thought I would die, and without my nurse Kara, I might have.

I had several nurses, all of them very competent, but Kara was the only one who treated me as an individual - not just a patient in a bed. She is also the nurse that took the time to connect with my caregiver, answering questions and calming fears. Kara was the bright light in the midst of drowning pain and sickness. The words I think of to describe her are kind, compassionate, caring, understanding, down-to-earth, pleasant, uplifting, knowledgeable, patient and so many more.

Kara had the ability to make me feel as though I was her only patient, and we all know that was not the case. When she was with me, she was focused on me. She took the time to answer all my questions and reassure me that the Mayo Clinic would resolve my medical issues. She would show up with a smile on her face and a vanilla pudding in her hand when it was time for me to take my mountain of pills. She was the only nurse who took the time to introduce me to the "next nurse" when her shift was over. When the doctors suggested I would be able to leave the hospital soon, I was really scared. I still did not feel well, I thought the doctors were making a mistake and I was unsure of how to administer the insulin, which I had been prescribed for the first time ever, after the operation. On the eighth day, Kara came to me, looked me in the eyes, and said, “It is time for you to go home. You do not want to stay in the hospital any longer because at a certain point it is not good for you.” She said the same words to my caregiver who was also anxious about taking me home, but we trusted Kara because I could feel her genuine care for me and so that was the day I went home. Five doctors suggested I should consider leaving and rehab at home. Kara is the one who convinced me.

Over eight days of doctors and nurses, it was evident that she genuinely cared for me and that she had my best interest at heart - and that she knew my fears and concerns - she remembered me day after day and was able to build a relationship with me in the midst of my pain and darkness. She was sure to be the one to wheel me out, and she suggested we take a picture together to look back on when I was feeling better. It has taken a year for me to finally feel well enough to write this. I have been very sick but never as close to death as I was in that first week. Without Kara, I don't know that I would be here today. Kara is an asset to the Mayo Clinic and stands out among all other nurses. I had several nurses during the eight-day stay, but Kara is the one I remember and miss! Her smiling face and uplifting attitude are what got me through what I can only describe as the worst time in my 69 years of life. I will remember her kindness for the rest of my days.