Arjay Genavia lifted me up when I was down. Literally, I underwent surgery to remove a tumor at Mass General  Hospital, and was assigned to Mass Eye and Ear’s 11th Floor post-surgery ward for an overnight stay. 

Now, mind you, the last time I stayed overnight in the hospital was in late June 1969. I had a bad bike fall, face-first into the curb, and had a concussion. It was the first day of summer after 2nd grade, and I was fixed up and made whole by a wonderful bunch of nurses and doctors in time to watch Neil Armstrong plant a flag on the surface of the moon! 

So, here I was, 55 years later, a much older man in need of care again. And there was Arjay, who made this 63-year-old feel 8 again - in the VERY best sense! He immediately got me walking around your wonderful ward filled with artwork photos and a real family feel! Arjay listened compassionately to my needs, was there at my bedside within one minute if I needed anything, and took time to instruct me on my self-care. I truly felt like he was my friend as he shared wonderful stories about his travels, his ongoing education (formal and informal), and his desire to be the very best nurse (and human!) he could be. I sincerely hope I will always know this compassionate, smart, and wise man. When I awoke the next morning, Arjay was at my bedside, readying me for a new cancer-free day and life! Here’s hoping I can stay away for another 55 years thanks to a good man named Arjay.