Going through surgery was already emotionally and physically draining, but the recovery afterward was even harder than I expected. I was extremely dizzy, weak, and unable to walk on my own without feeling like I would fall. In such a vulnerable moment, the way someone treats you can either make you feel hopeless or remind you that you are cared for. Richard Galarza did exactly that for me.

From the moment he helped care for me, Richard showed so much patience and compassion. No matter how many times I needed assistance or reassurance, he never acted annoyed, impatient, or dismissive. He treated me with kindness every single time, and that meant more to me than words can explain.

What made the biggest difference was how safe and comfortable he made me feel. I never felt abandoned, ignored, or like I was asking for too much. Even when I could barely walk because of the dizziness, Richard stayed attentive and supportive without ever making me feel like a burden.

You can tell when someone truly cares about the work they do, and Richard's actions spoke louder than anything else. His calm energy, understanding, and willingness to help made such a difficult day feel a little lighter. During a moment where I felt physically weak and emotionally overwhelmed, his kindness brought me comfort and peace.

I'll be honest, after some recent experiences, I had started questioning my loyalty to this hospital even though I genuinely love Mount Sinai, especially this location. The care Richard showed me reminded me that there are still amazing people here who truly care about their patients. His compassion and humanity made me forget those negative moments and focus on the good experience he helped create for me.

People may forget conversations or procedures, but they never forget how someone made them feel. I will always remember Richard Galarza for the kindness, patience, and support he showed me during one of the hardest moments of my life.