My husband and I have been blessed with four children. In January our oldest daughter M, who is Epileptic, became acutely ill while at Sacred Heart University, where she was beginning the last semester of her senior year. We picked up M and brought her to the ER at NYU. She suffered two seizures in the ER and the disorientation she began to experience worsened. She spent a week in neurology and was then transferred to HCC10, where her journey continued. Our successful and happy daughter, who had overcome so many hurdles in her young life was fading away. In March, I was called and told that M was being discharged from HCC10 back to neurology for a three day trial of antibody therapy, even though M did not have any hard evidence that autoimmune encephalitis was the cause of her struggles. When we got to neurology, Sarah greeted us and immediately embraced us where we were emotionally. She connected with M and spoke with her saying that she knew she had been on a long and hard journey and that she was confident that she would benefit from the IV therapy and returning to neurology. She spoke with M alone after introducing herself to us and acknowledged that M felt like a zombie from all the medicines she is taking. M made a huge turn around as a result of Sarah taking the time to connect with her. She reassured M and she showed me that she uses trauma-informed practice as a healthcare specialist to support the emotional needs of her patients and their families. She encouraged both of us to speak up and to ask questions, and told M that she would get better, at a time when M needed to believe and be positive. M was afraid, and Sarah helped her channel her fears into ambition.

Sarah's dedication to her patients is extraordinary. She is held in our highest regard. Today, our daughter is leaving the hospital and she will need more care at home. Sarah has inspired us to continue our journey and we hope that she is acknowledged for the impact she makes in the lives of patients who have experienced serious struggles with neurological illnesses. We hope that her dedication is recognized by this award and we would absolutely try to come to a ceremony if she should be selected.