I was on my second day after major surgery involving my digestive track. I was very anxious, in a lot of pain, despite medication, and exhausted from lack of sleep. This was the second surgery to resolve the issue 8 months after the first surgery. LaVarius Strong arrived and completed the shift change making sure to include me in the debrief and answered various questions I had with expert detail, but in a way I could understand. He introduced himself and promptly drew a flower and wrote get well! on the white board. I was amazed at the positive energy which immediately cheered me up. This led to an amazing conversation on many topics including how a positive mental state helps with healing. He was my night nurse and I couldn't sleep. Despite being very busy he checked on me often and always had something positive to say that always cheered me up during one of the more challenging experiences I'll ever go through. He brought me tea several times throughout the night because he knew I was on a very restricted diet and that was one of my only comforts. He fixed the IV drip bag pumps twice, also expertly. It really made a difference knowing I was under his extraordinary care especially in a situation where I felt very vulnerable. The next night I was assigned a different nurse, but LaVarius checked in on me anyway right when he got on duty and brought me tea without me asking because he knew it would make me feel better. He was disappointed that he wasn't able to continue continuity of care, displaying his dedication to exceptional patient care yet again. Despite not being assigned to me he indicated he'd be stopping by throughout the night as time allowed. Simply an amazing person and a born healer. LaVarius absolutely made my recovery so much better than it could have been and I'm positive he helped me heal much faster. His way of explaining complicated information in layman's terms really helped me feel much more comfortable. I am eternally grateful for his warm bedside manner, professionalism and intuitive ability to know what is needed to help heal. I spoke with the assistant manager of nurses, and let her know how much he helped me and always went the extra mile and that his positivity is contagious. She agreed emphatically as he is a very valued member of the nursing staff here and his demeanor makes this hospital a better place and raises everyone around him up. He shines as an example of excellence and I can only imagine the incredible amount of lives he will make better. Thank you LaVarius.