Kathy O’Neill was our nurse, as this has truly been a journey that D and I are on together, from the very first evening of D’s admission to IRH.

D had just come from Community East, where he had been in Critical and Progressive Care after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and multiple infections. He was still foggy, on antibiotics, and had gone from living a fully independent life to suddenly needing help with everything - from bathing and personal care to simply getting through the day safely. Evenings were particularly difficult. D often felt anxious and disoriented, unsure of whether it was day or night.

Kathy recognized this right away. To help D regain some orientation, Kathy found a large-print lighted clock that D could easily see even when the room was dark. That small act made a big difference. It helped ground D, offering a sense of time and stability in a world that had suddenly become unfamiliar and frightening.

Kathy has been D’s nurse on multiple occasions during his stay at IRH, and each time, she has consistently shown compassion, encouragement, and empathy. It’s incredibly hard, and deeply humbling, for a grown man to relinquish control and depend on others for even the most basic tasks. Kathy handles these moments with such grace, always treating D with dignity and kindness. Kathy was not only empathetic but also quietly encouraging, helping D hold on to hope and strength during some of his lowest moments.