"I was in the ER with severe aphasia. My husband and I are new to the area and going through something like this in a new place without knowing one. It makes you feel even more alone. It was terrifying going through the experience of being rushed back being told I might be having a stroke and being swiftly taken back to CT.

Jenna was by my side through the whole experience, not just physically by my side, emotionally there. She walked me through the entire process and made the situation less scary than it can be. I could understand every word and process what she was saying but I couldn’t tell her that I understood, and it was so frustrating not being able to communicate back. Even though I know I was saying gibberish, she sat and looked at me and you could tell she was trying to understand and truly listen to the words and emotions I was communicating nonverbally. She made me feel like I was okay and safe even though I was going crazy.

They gave me a medication that caused her to sit with my husband and me for two hours. It wasn’t awkward or anything, she included my husband and me in conversations about life, about my care, and the next process. There wasn’t a moment in our stay with her where we did not know what to expect, everything was laid out in black and white on the table from the worst-case scenario to the best-case scenario. I ended up being admitted to the ICU and while they got me settled in my room she stayed and talked with my husband outside of the room and gave him an idea of what to expect and a quick layout of the unit so he would know how to leave and go home and come back. She promised that she would be back to visit us the next day and she did. You think of yeah whatever you’ll be back, but she kept her word, and I was able to communicate that night and let her know how appreciative I am.

The way she went out of her busy night to come and just check on us means more than she’ll ever know. From being new to the area and unsure if this can be home. She made us feel like this is a community that truly cares, I hope to see her in Publix like we joked about. She said she is glad to have taken care of me but rather we meet in Publix than here next time."

Thank you, Jenna, for all you do for our patients, families, and team members! Congratulations on winning the DAISY Award!