My 77-year-old brother had been in and out of BHH since October 2023. His journey was a roller coaster; we never knew what to expect. He would get better, transfer to acute rehab and within 48 hours would be readmitted back to BHH; then back to rehab. He eventually went to UofL for a couple of weeks, transferred to Jewish from there and spent 3-4 weeks in the angioplasty unit. Home for three days and then right back to BHH. Each hospitalization was frightening to us as we watched him struggle to rally back. Through it all, the nurses, and physicians, worked tirelessly, diligently, helping Tommy and us to understand how each come back was that much harder for him, but to see him smile or make a joke with the nurses somehow seemed worth the struggle, until he couldn't. But, to each staff member and physician, of most importance was to ensure that he was comfortable and that we had enough information to make the next decision. The phone calls, Voalte messages and hallway conversations from staff showed the care we received as we went through our own emotional and exhausting roller coaster rides. Rarely, did I walk through the hallways that someone didn't ask, "How's he doing today?". lt was like everyone knew him and cared about him.

He got tired, and on Jan. 7th, it appeared that he no longer had the energy or reserve to rally back. My family had a discussion with palliative care and decided with great difficulty to make him, "comfort care." He was transferred to 3NT, where we met Shelly N. Reynolds. While our care was exceptional on every admission, from everyone that had anything to do with his care - we were in a place that our hearts needed extra care, and Shelly provided that care. ln the short time we were on 3NT, Shelly became a friend to us. Every hour, sometimes every minute, her knowledge and skills were evident. For example, I was unsure that we had made the right decision and Shelly was able to help me put him first and ensured me that he was comfortable and that she would be there every minute for us. lt was like we were the only family on the unit that evening. She would give hugs when they warranted, tissues when I couldn't stop crying, warm blankets with gentle encouragements to get rest. Shelly's tireless, devoted, confident, and skilled passion for a father, my brother, and grandfather's well-being made a huge impression on us. She stood out as a nurse willing and able to go beyond the normal call of duty to ensure every single need was met and that she would not let Tommy suffer. He passed very peacefully in the early morning hours with family at bedside and Shelly there to offer support.