They say the first impressions are what count the most. Well... I remember opening my eyes after having a procedure and hazily looking at the sterile hallways and elevator as I was transported to the floor. Wheeling by the front desk and seeing my husband…and then saw this nurse, and the smile behind her eyes, letting me know she was smiling from behind the mask. I remember her almost waving to me. And then thinking, it’s like she’s an old friend happy to see me.

In the room, my husband immediately let me know about this nurse. Paige had already said hello and was happy to help us. Throughout my time there, we would learn, she would go above and beyond to help us and help me battle cancer. She taught us about all the little things you have to learn as a cancer patient—my port, meds, food tips, visitation, bag changes, etc. But more than the medical info, she made it a point to become a friend. She asked questions and shared about her life, her daughter, and her parents. She came smiling with stories to make me laugh and tips on how to beat my nausea.

When you’re strapped to a bed all day - and strapped to a poison that may or may not be helping your body - a smile and a funny story can change your day. It can change your mindset. It can help heal your inner spirit while you wait for your body to catch up. Before my next to last round of chemo, Paige came into my room to let us know she was going to miss my last round. She would be on vacation. She said she considered trying to move her vacation so she could be here to celebrate me! (Tears flowing) But she couldn’t. What she did decide to do was give me a necklace.

A necklace that was given to her by a friend years ago. It had one word on there. Joy. She wanted to pass it on because she saw the joy in me and hoped my life would be Fille With Joy as I moved past cancer. (More tears flowing) I have worn that necklace every single day from the time she gave it to me until three months later. I wear it at least twice a week now. Every time I wear it, I get to remember her friendship, her support, and I get to fill my days with joy.

Fast forward to my last day, Paige surprised me with a going away/finished chemo party - and FaceTiming in so she wouldn’t miss it. She had gone out of her way to plan a special goodbye, complete with my very own bell to ring to celebrate. She and the team knew I wanted to ring the bell like I had heard other cancer patients do, but they knew they didn’t have a bell to ring. So they got me my very own. The bell has my name engraved as well as my remission date. This is something I will cherish forever. I could tell you more stories about her. But let’s summarize. This nurse is a model of love and patient care. She oozes joy and passion for her career and the patients she serves. With or without the recognition of an official award, she IS a nurse of excellence - a nurse of the year. That’s who she is. And I hope she knows two things - #1, the impact her first and last impressions made, and #2, that she will always be an old friend.