My 62-year-old neighbor, G, was diagnosed with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital and began intensive chemotherapy at the hospital’s Faith outpatient clinic. Because G had very minimal family in a position to provide support or assistance, this role was taken up by friends and neighbors.

Having just retired when I reached age 70, weeks before G’s diagnosis, I signed on to drive him to Froedtert and accompany him to his chemotherapy and related appointments. The next 8 months were an odyssey for both G and I, with giddy ups and crushing lows, more so for G than me, of course. Through it all, our anchor was Wendy Edwards, R.N. Besides all the usual nursing care, Wendy provided emotional support and was an anchor we could always rely on.

When G was admitted to the inpatient hospital and to the ER Wendy always visited G. He knew it was not her “job” to do so, that she was gifting him with the gift of some of her precious off-duty time. Her generosity to my neighbor brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. When G finally died - at home, as was his wish, cared for by hospice nurses, friends, and neighbors - I was the recipient of Wendy’s kindness, receiving a phone call to make sure that I was okay. Many nurses at FMLH do wonderful work. Wendy Edwards is one of those nurses, but she also goes a step beyond. For that extra step, I will always be deeply grateful, both on behalf of my late neighbor, G, and on my own behalf.