Nearly two years ago, my entire world changed... our family's entire world changed. J was the youngest of our two boys.  We were on the way to the hospital after he started declining at home due to illness. On the way to the hospital, he stopped breathing, so my mom called 911, and I began CPR. J was brought in by EMS after suffering from respiratory and cardiac arrest. Our stay at Wesley was heavy as we knew we would probably not be bringing him home.

Cassie was one of the angels here to hold me up in the most broken time of my life. She supported not just me, but my entire family. She loved on my sweet baby just like he was one of hers. She wanted to know who he was as a 9-year-old little boy, full of life, and listened to stories about him. She made sure that I was taking care of myself, she prayed with me, and she showed so much love and compassion.

Not only did Cassie take care of us as our nurse, but she truly went above and beyond her call of duty when she came to the hospital on her day off to be with us during final testing. She was there to hold me up when we got the news that my son was declared brain dead. She was also there for his honor walk to show us support.

Cassie was the angel by my side through it all. She is truly so deserving of this award, and it is one way I can show my gratitude for the simple kindness she showed my son, my family, and our friends. She changed my life for the better, and I truly can't thank her enough.