It was a day that started like any other day. Our kids headed off to school while my wife and I went to work.

Upon our return home, we learned that our son had been attacked by two bullies after school and was not feeling well, having quite a few bumps and bruises from the event. Later, he began complaining of a headache and vomited, prompting a call to 911 and a subsequent visit to Golisano.

Just after midnight, we received the news that no parent ever wanted to hear. “The CT scan came back, and there is a mass. Your son has a brain tumor and needs to be admitted.”

To be quite honest, those words are still hard to write and say, even today. Over the next 48 hours, he would have several scans and tests before ultimately having a nearly 9-hour brain surgery procedure. He left the OR and headed to the ICU, where our first of many wonderful experiences occurred.

As he continued to progress and improve, he was eventually allowed to go back to the floor, where Kendall graciously came into our lives.

The bond that was formed between him and my son was nearly immediate. He was quick to pick up on my son’s likes and quickly gathered games, foods, and other activities to calm his anxieties, build trust, and offer a steady hand.

Despite some small setbacks with pain and nausea, he never wavered. Even with an often-heavy hand on the call light, he always greeted him with a smile, a calming presence, and constant reassurance. He was patient, talked him through everything, and continued to form a wonderful patient-nurse relationship that we still remember today.

His unwavering commitment didn’t just stop with my son, and he was quick to ensure the needs of his family were met as well. In a time of angst, uncertainty, and an unknown path, I believe this nurse approached the uniqueness of this situation like any other day with any other patient.

Never flustered by our presence, his commitment to delivering compassionate care to patients was clearly and expertly evident in everything he did for my son and for us. His steady hands, reassuring words, and calming presence were the guidance that we needed through those extremely tough days.

Kendall is the epitome of a nurse who has a patient-centered approach to care and is a prime example of what it means to live the promise here at Lee Health.

On behalf of my son and the rest of our family, thank you for the exceptional care that you provided for us and, most importantly, for our son.

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This is Kendall's 2nd DAISY Award!