I suffered severe burns. When I first arrived at the University of Chicago, I was trying hard to be optimistic about what I knew would be a grueling recovery. My nurse Kelly Metcalf made this so much easier.

Throughout my journey at the hospital, Kelly helped me in so many ways, but I will name some specific instances to give you a better picture. Right after I arrived I was trying to get used to being bedridden and not able to do much of anything for myself. Something as simple as shaving suddenly was a difficult task. I told Kelly my beard was bothering me. However, when she asked me if I wanted her to shave it, I said no. I didn't want to ask her of anything more than what her job was to do and I was upset that I couldn't do this by myself. She showed up in my room twenty minutes later with all the necessary supplies for shaving. I didn't ask her to but she did something that she knew would make me feel better. Those instances made my recovery so much better.

During this life-changing month, she was someone who aided me not only with her actions, but also with her words. I will never forget what she said to me on a particularly difficult day. She said, "Tomorrow will be a better day." I went through everyday knowing that tomorrow will be better. Now, even though I am not fully recovered yet, I know I have made it through my worst days. Kelly gave me courage with her words during the worst time of my life.

Kelly deserves this award for all that she did to create an atmosphere where I felt comfortable at the most uncomfortable time in my life. She truly is an incredible nurse whose kindness and thoughtfulness made me believe in better days ahead.