My husband is a 27-year Vietnam Veteran who came into the step-down unit as a very ill and high-risk patient. His oxygen requirements caused him to be moved out of the UNC Cancer Hospital. This was very frightening to our family because now he was fighting two battles at the same time: AML leukemia and acute respiratory failure. There were many, many excellent nurses and professional teams that reached out to him and helped but Addy was a real standout for us.

Addy worked hard to reassure my husband that he would be able to reduce his oxygen needs and avoid any escalating measures. She was patient and clear in explaining what procedures were taking place and what he could expect from them. She encouraged him to express himself and never, ever did she cause him to feel embarrassed about the extent of help he now required. Addy could tell how important it was for him to retain his dignity and she showed him respect and acknowledged his concerns. Addy was very gentle with him. The tubes, the tones, the bells, and whistles were minimized to accommodate his rest and uninterrupted sleep. Don't get this wrong, we want to move off this ward because it is an indication he is getting better - we just want to take Addy with us. Respectfully and ever so grateful!