My daughter was recently hospitalized for a rare infection, leaving her mouth swollen and filled with sores. This made it virtually impossible for her to swallow. This was her first experience with any type of hospital, having been a rather healthy child up to this point. The whole experience was very overwhelming for her. There were moments of frustration, confusion, and desperation to feel like a normal teenager again. Although all the staff were kind in the care my daughter received, Ryan brought such a higher level of compassion and a sense of relief during times that it was much needed.

All my daughter’s medications needed to be given intravenously due to her inability to swallow. This required staff to make multiple trips and spend extended time at the bedside. With every med administration, Ryan pulled up a chair and created a connection with small talk and jokes. making his time at the bedside so much more personable. Another instance is that my daughter became increasingly overwhelmed with the feeling that she couldn't breathe. As her mother, I was not able to calm her down at all, so I rang for the nurse, and in absolute panic, I begged Ryan for help! Ryan once again was at the bedside, sitting next to her with such a calm demeanor, assessed my daughter and talked her through a panic attack, not leaving her side until she was calm and resting comfortably.

After 8 days, we were finally home and on the road to recovery. I asked my daughter if there was any staff member whom she wouldn't forget. Without hesitation, she said, Ryan. We cannot thank Ryan enough, nor will she ever forget the compassion he poured into my daughter’s care. I would say he went above and beyond, but I feel he is this compassionate with all his patients. Ryan made such a scary and frustrating time so much more comforting, not only for a teenager but also for her terrified mom! Thank you from the bottom of this mom’s heart.