Karianne is an absolutely amazing nurse who is so patient and kind with her patients. Although she is a young nurse, she has the bedside manner of a nurse who’s been in the field for over 30 years. When you talk to her, you feel like you’re talking to your best friend that you’ve known all your life.

I am currently battling AMML leukemia for the second time in the last 15 months. I’m a 48-year-old male, married with three young kids. I had a bone marrow transplant almost a year ago, and unfortunately, it has failed. I have relapsed in the last month, so I am now back in the hospital for a second time, going through the same likely process. It is completely overwhelming having to do this a second time in just over a year.

My wife also has MDS blood cancer, although she is doing well and has been on medication for the last five years for it. However, having both parents with blood cancer with three young kids is terrifying. I know it is very possible I will not survive this cancer battle, and the stress and fears of having my wife have to battle through her cancer and take care of our kids is terrifying and overwhelming to me.

Karianne has spent countless hours over the last year sitting with me, listening to my fears and tears, and being so patient and gentle with me. I know I would not have made it through my first treatment last year without her support, and I also know I cannot do it again a second time, knowing what is in front of me and what I have to overcome yet again. There are not enough nurses in this world like Karianne, and I am so very blessed to have her as part of my oncology team. She is there for me through this seemingly impossible battle again.