My dad was diagnosed with cancer only a month before he passed, and his condition declined quickly. The last week of his life, he was in the hospital. He held on long enough for all of his children to arrive and say goodbye.

The day he died, Amy was his nurse. Although there was little that could change the outcome at that point, Amy never stopped caring for him with diligence and compassion. She stayed on top of his pain control, making sure he was comfortable, and she took the time to explain what was happening in a calm, clear way. She was also incredibly kind to our family and made it possible for us to be together at his bedside.

Without being asked, Amy brought us breakfast and made sure there were enough chairs so we could sit with him. She answered every question with patience and treated us with dignity when we were exhausted and overwhelmed, and reassured us along the way.

Because of Amy’s care—and the example she set for those around her—my dad was able to pass as comfortably and peacefully as possible, in accordance with his wishes, and our family felt supported through the hardest hours of our lives. Amy’s compassion, attentiveness, and advocacy made an immeasurable difference.