Katie was the first nurse I had on the 4th floor, the first time I was admitted. I hadn’t been diagnosed yet, only admitted to the hospital from the ER. I was absolutely terrified. I had only been home from vacation a few days and had come in because I noticed I was fatigued and swollen. All of a sudden they were saying words like leukemia and biopsy.

I was at the ER for hours and wasn’t admitted until late, then had a transfusion at midnight, poked, prodded….. exhausted. Then at 8 am, they came in to take me for a bone marrow biopsy. I hadn’t even talked to my doctor! Katie sat down on my bed, she sent the transport away for the time being and texted my doctor. She acknowledged me, validated me, and heard me. She held my hand while I cried and calmed me, then once I saw my doctor and had my questions answered, I had my biopsy rescheduled, I just needed that person to treat me like a person. I am so incredibly grateful to her.