I was a 73 year old patient coming into Dominican Hospital Emergency Department in December; five days before Christmas. The Emergency Room was overcrowded and I shared a room with another. It was the start of a twelve day stay. Maria Villalta was a shining star working tirelessly with skill in a maze of patients. I don't know how they do it. One Nurse cannot do it, but Maria seemed to head the team keeping me informed and explaining what was happening to a very concerned patient and spouse. Days later after 5 bed transfers she found me to see how I was. Maria should have been taking care of her family, but I'm thankful she added taking care of me as a patient on her Xmas list. What a balancing act these nurses have working and taking care of their family lives. At least 3 nurses (30 shifts) a day for 12 days. Each was very professional and it is a team effort. But Maria stood out. They all deserve gold medals for helping save human lives. I listened at each shift change how each communicated with each other.