My son has Crohn’s disease, resulting in him losing his colon in 2018. This week, he was in crisis because his small intestine became swollen and caused severe blockage. Ayanna has been so upbeat and positive that she has raised our spirits. Ayanna noticed that his NG tube was too small in diameter, and she repeatedly had to turn the machine off and use a syringe to clear the blocked tube. My son abhors the tube, so when she suggested she remove the one tube & place it with a larger one, he was excited to have a short respite & be able to talk again. She planned on a short break but was kind enough to extend it as long as it was possible without causing problems. That kindness warmed our hearts. She was efficient & knew exactly what to do in every situation, explaining his condition with her coworkers, helping them know what was going on in his body.   

When co-workers talked too loud at the station, she put a sign on his door to be quiet because the noise accelerated his anxiety. She asked the night nurse to coordinate their interruptions so he could sleep.   

She took him on walks, adjusted his bed, served him warm packs & cold packs depending on his changing needs.  

Ayanna treated us so kindly, always asking if there was something she could do. She was great at explaining his condition & progress to each of his relatives as we took turns staying with him.   

Ayanna’s cheerfulness and love helped us all during the difficult and stressful hospital stay.