I am 74 years old. I had multiple heart stent surgeries at Ascension Providence Hospital, and went home, but on the third day after the surgery, I had complications. My hospital Emergency Room in Mexia, Texas, sent me back to Ascension Providence via ambulance. It was sudden, and I had no time to prepare for this trip and hospital stay. I have a 32-year-old daughter who is severely autistic, non-verbal, handicapped, has Grand Mal seizures, and requires full care. She was recently diagnosed with stage 3 cancer on top of everything else she has to battle. I am all she has, so I had to bring her with me to the hospital.  We had no extra clothes or anything to groom with. I didn't know what in the world we would do.

Lauren was our nurse when I was admitted.  She asked me about my daughter, and I, in tears, explained our dilemma. She turned around and left the room, and was back in a flash with extra sheets, pillows, and blankets. She brought us a sandwich, juice, and chips. Then she brought a chair that she made into a bed for my daughter. She took such excellent care of me and my daughter. She made sure our every need was met. I felt like a Queen. She made sure my daughter had food and drinks and all the toiletries needed for a shower and her care. Lauren helped her fix a bed next to mine. She met all of our needs before we asked. I will never forget her kindness as long as I live. She is the most loving and caring nurse and person I have ever met. She went far above and beyond her duties to help us. She is so special. No one could possibly deserve this award more than her.

Thank you, Lauren, we love you.