Kelin Stanley
October 2023
Kelin
Stanley
,
BSN, RN, GERO-BC
MICU
ChristianaCare
Newark
,
DE
United States

 

 

 

Without Kelin, I don’t think my family or I would have been nearly as capable of handling this tragic moment.
Recently, my family and I spent several days in the MICU while my sister, E, spent her last days on this earth. She was 37 and left behind two kids. In the time we spent at Christiana Hospital, we were lucky to be under the care of Kelin Stanley. She was there throughout the process, from the diagnosis of my sister to the moment her last breaths were taken. Without Kelin, I don’t think my family or I would have been nearly as capable of handling this tragic moment.

Kelin guided my family through the toughest time of our lives with grace and kindness. She was a warm, welcoming presence at a time that was anything but. She treated us like we were part of her family and helped keep us calm, relaxed, and confident in how we would move forward day by day till the end of our time spent in the MICU. My grandmother was a nurse in elderly and hospice care for 30 years at Little sisters of the Poor and I have interacted with many nurses and doctors in my days but never one like Kelin. Her dedication to her patients, if how she treated our family is any inkling of how she treats others is simply inspiring. It felt like we were in the presence of a superhero who thrives on the toughest of times to shine her brightest. I personally could not have imagined doing it without her. Since my sister's passing, life has been a whirlwind, but Kelin’s influence remains with my family and me.

I personally have been striving to show an ounce of the courage, compassion, and focus that Kelin displayed. Being comforting to my mourning family, taking care of my sister's children, and helping my family find some sense of normalcy after my sister's passing have all been things Kelin’s influence has helped me to do. I have run out of words to help explain how amazing Kelin’s treatment of my family and me was. I will never be able to thank her truthfully but I hope this can help her understand just how much it meant to me. Her actions will be a fond memory for the rest of my life as to just how much good, kindness, and empathy can impact those in need. Thank you, Kelin, and thank you, Christina Care, for being there when it mattered. Kelin has given me hope for the future and I know for a fact that our world would be a better place if there were more people like Kelin in it.

Note: This is Kelin's 2nd DAISY Award!