I came to NYU Langone Tisch Hospital due to the unexpected death of my brother. On Saturday, the paramedics were dispatched to the Red Hook apartments in Brooklyn, NY. A 62-year-old male was non-responsive and found in his apartment in an apparent cardiac arrest state. Paramedics began to administer CPR in a vigorous attempt to revive him. After being coded twice and taken to the local hospital, he was transferred to the 15th floor ICU at NYU/Tisch Hospital. I was notified on Sunday evening of his whereabouts and condition. I immediately went to the hospital!

He was in the ICU on a ventilator with no brain function or any visible signs of life other than the works of the ventilator. I was informed that my brother had, in fact, overdosed on Fentanyl and Cocaine and was left for dead by the same people who had used with him. I couldn’t begin to believe, let alone process, the chain of events. I met Simone, who introduced herself as the primary head nurse in charge of my brother. Simone, with such delicacy, broke down every medication administered. Every test and its results were given. Every single minute of each day was explained to me by Simone. Not only did she ensure that I was part of every decision with my brother, but her absolute care for him was above and beyond!

Simone spoke with him, caressed his temple, and repeatedly ensured that he was comfortable and not in any distress. Simone protected him and cared for him in the times that I couldn’t be there! The day had come when I had to make the decision to remove him from the ventilator. I shared my wishes with Simone, and she comforted me and offered reassurance. I had also decided that although my brother's life had ended tragically, it wouldn’t be in vain. I decided to donate some of his organs in the hopes that a part of him could go on in some way after his departure. I can’t even begin to describe in words how thankful I am to Simone for being there for myself, my daughter, who accompanies me, and my brother in his transition.

Simone, along with her peers, saluted my brother with the most honorable send-off with dignity. Simone stood with us down to his final moments, still caring for him and caressing his hair and whispering to us as he was expiring and transitioning that he knew we were there with him and that we did the right thing by him. Simone is truly one of God's best soldiers walking this earth. Not once did she show any judgment or disgust. Simone embraced my brother with compassion, exuding selflessness. She truly is the epitome of what this award represents! She’s an angel sent from above.