Until about ten days ago, I had never had an extended hospital stay. Childbirth, being two days maximum, was my only experience. However, after a diagnosis of duodenal cancer, I found myself in the hospital for almost three weeks.

Aly was my admittance nurse, and even though she was not my nurse every day, we somehow kept connecting, and she found a way to keep track of me even when I wasn't on her floor! I will never forget when I was leaving for surgery, she came near my bed and gave me a hug and said, "When you get done with surgery, I will be here waiting for you, and we will get you through this!!"

Her heart is filled with compassion for her sick patients. I have seen her as a charge nurse, too, going nonstop, and yet she has a way of making a patient feel like the most important person when she is caring for you. Please award Aly, her smile on your darkest days can change your life and give you hope!