My husband came to the ER for shortness of breath and ended up in ICU with severe heart failure. After a cardiac catheterization, a Physician Assistant came to the room to inform us his condition was very bad. His ejection fraction (EF) was below 20 which means his life expectancy was very low. We were told that he was going to need immediate surgery to place a heart pump.

My husband and I were looking at each other and crying silently. Michael was the nurse that day, and I can promise you he is an angel sent down. He immediately asked us if we had any questions and if he could do anything to help us. He explained again my husband’s condition and reassured us that this was a procedure that is done often. From that moment, I knew my husband was in good hands. It was as if the overwhelming fear began to drain out of me. Michael was my husband’s nurse almost every night, and he was with us during two heart surgeries. The surgeons placed an Impella 5.5 pump first and then replaced it with an LVAD pump.

Every night when his shift started Michael would come to the room and greet us and ask us how we were doing. He learned about my two kids and was always asking how they were holding up. He took care of my husband like he was part of our family. He offered the exact tender kindness we needed and took the time (even on a busy day!) to talk me through my fears and remind me we were not alone. He stayed late after shifts to help us transition and never once did he complain about us calling him. He did not judge my husband even when he was grumpy and having a hard time coping. A few times Michael realized that something was not right with my husband, and he didn't hesitate to call the PA to come to take a look. I will be forever grateful for his training and knowledge that allowed him to recognize these situations and act quickly. I am just thankful for the care that my husband received. I was comforted knowing Michael was with him. I trusted him to give his expert care while being compassionate and supportive.