Nurse Lorna Corpuz is well beyond any nurse that I have been blessed to have been a part of my recovery, both pre- and post-transplant. She understands not only what I, as a patient, needed, but what my spouse needed too. She was so attentive to my needs, I rarely had to ask for anything, medically and personally. She checked on me so often, she learned my routines, habits, and needs. She knew when I needed rest, when I needed meds, when I needed a smile.

We loved how she came into the room and brightened our day with her big smile, just to say hello. She took the time to learn about my personal history, my medical history, and my wife's quirks. Lorna would not only take care of me, but also took the time to make sure my wife's health was a priority. She noticed earlier today that my wife had not had a drink, and she took it upon herself to surprise her with her favorite drink. Not many nurses know what the spouse of a patient needs, even down to the detail of her favorite drink as she did. I have always been a talker and storyteller, and she was so attentive. To the point she could recall every detail I told her about. Again, this was all in the span of several weeks. She remembered taking care of me before my transplant and recalled what my symptoms were at that time, and what I was going through at that time. She was able to compare the symptoms of the past versus what my symptoms are as of present. She has rooted me on and reminded me that even though there are still tough moments and tough minutes, at least this time those moments are leading to a brighter future for me and my wife.

Lorna was actually able to recall the stories we spoke of. There were times she would have to leave during a story, and would always return to ask me to finish it. Her nursing skills are at the level that my wife and I told her she should become a teacher for other nurses. She could teach by example by allowing nurses to observe how she shows how to be a kind, caring, loving soul, responsive, and full of heart.

Today was our final day having her as my nurse, being that I'm getting discharged, and her schedule has earned her some well-deserved time off. We even went so far as to give her our number, should she ever make it to where we live. Obviously, my wife and I would not usually make that offer, but she cares so deeply that she feels like family. Her last words to me tonight were to say thank you for being a great patient, and she told both my wife and me that "she loves us." That's an extraordinary nurse! The care, the compassion, the attentiveness she gives every single day to all her patients, in our book, makes her, hands down, the absolute best nurse.

Duke University Hospital chose the most gifted, positive, caring, beautiful soul possible the day she was hired and became a part of the whole Duke family. She was and will continue to be the biggest supporter and cheerleader for any patient she treats. Lorna will make a place in her heart for any and all of her patients, just as she did for us. Our hope, our desire, and our most fervent wish would be for her to be given the DAISY Award.