When I got the call from my mom saying that my 100-year-old Great-Grandma was admitted to SUNY Upstate, I was devastated. I had a horrible pit in my stomach and found it difficult to hold back my tears both before I could get to her and after I arrived at the hospital and saw the condition she was in. During the two highly-emotional days I spent at the hospital with my Gram, Chelsea was a huge saving grace. She was truly an angel who helped both my Gram and me through that time in a tremendous way. Chelsea was incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with my great-grandmother, despite having several other patients. She took the time to ask questions about my great-grandmother, cared to know who she was as a person, showed sincere interest in her character and well-being, and was even so compassionate that she cried along with me at times when my Gram said or did something that brought me to tears. Chelsea ensured that my great-grandmother had everything she needed and did her best to make her comfortable.

Whenever my great-grandmother had a request or a complaint, Chelsea did her very best to attend to it with the utmost care, patience, and kindness. She did not complain or show anything but compassion during the days she worked with my great-grandmother. When it was not possible for me to stay at the hospital any longer because I had to return to work in Albany, Chelsea saw how upset I was, comforted me with genuine care, and ensured me that she would take very good care of my great-grandmother after I left. I felt so moved by her kindness, and knowing that she was there with my Gram really helped me get through a difficult day being away from her. Amazingly, Chelsea's kindness and compassion did not end after I left the hospital.

On Tuesday night, after I got home from work, I was again incredibly moved to hear a message Chelsea had left on my phone letting me know how my great-grandmother was doing that day. She updated me with personal points, such as letting me know that my great-grandmother was re-reading the note and hugging the teddy bear I left for her all day. It brought me to tears yet again to hear these things and to know how much Chelsea cared.

I think she is a beautiful person and I could not imagine anyone who I would trust to leave my great-grandmother in the care of more than her. Chelsea truly is an Extraordinary Nurse!