Will
Brown
,
RN
My beloved wife passed away from lung cancer during her care with Will. Since her childhood, my wife ironically has always had a terrible fear of suffocation, and has full-blown panic attacks in enclosed spaces. Nothing has ever worked to calm her down when a panic attack takes place, she will fight like a lion to get sheets and cords off of her. When we first arrived, Will was in full take-charge mode furiously calling and ensuring every single detail was covered, and I was not sure his personality was best for her. But then he immediately shifted into calm, compassionate mode when she needed it; it was remarkable how he could sense her needs and change on a dime.
Before a critical CT scan my wife was extremely anxious about, Will taught her simple breathing exercises in a way that she finally grasped! For 30 years I’ve been trying to teach her to breathe, she’s gone to retreats for the same, and Will was finally able to get through! Using those techniques, he then went with her to the scan and supported her the entire time, which usually takes at least 3 tries anytime we’ve had a previous scan (and often does not work at all). She then used those techniques for the remainder of her life to calm herself when she was getting low on oxygen near death.
Will also talked with my wife about our boys who she was quite concerned about, helping her feel more comfortable that they and I would be OK and allowing her to make her transition at peace. I will be teaching Will’s breathing techniques to our boys and sharing Will’s stories for a good long time. He did not simply provide outstanding care, he gave her life and coaching, peace and mental comfort. I’ll simply never forget what Will Brown did for my wife and for me during this most difficult moment of our lives. He is extraordinary.