Arthur Fox
January 2025
Arthur
Fox
,
RN
ICU
Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center
Roseville
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

Arthur didn't just save my husband's life; he gave me hope and the courage to make an impossible decision.
I am writing to nominate Arthur Fox for the DAISY Award, as his steadfast commitment and compassion not only saved my husband's life but also provided my family with a sense of stability and hope during one of the most devastating experiences of our lives. It was truly a living nightmare. Over two days, my husband, D's, perfect health plummeted rapidly and unexpectedly due to acute myeloid leukemia. As his condition worsened, I found myself overwhelmed not only by the terrifying nature of what was happening but also by the immense responsibility of honoring his clearly stated wishes. D has always been a strong, vibrant personality who made it clear that he never wanted CPR or to be placed on life support, and I was determined to respect those wishes. In the midst of this crisis, I faced conflicting guidance from medical staff. Some doctors raised their voices, and certain nurses were overly directive, making me feel judged and confused rather than supported. Arthur, however, provided clear, factual information about the situation.

Without pressuring me, he walked me through the medical realities, outlining the potential outcomes and helping me fully understand the implications of each choice. His thoughtful approach allowed me to focus on making an informed decision rather than feeling overwhelmed by guilt or doubt. Later that evening, when my husband went into cardiac arrest, I didn't hesitate to call out to Arthur for help. He immediately responded with clear and decisive competence, performing CPR and successfully saving my husband's life as our daughters and I cried in the hallway as helpless onlookers. His skill and expertise in that critical moment gave D another chance. My family was overjoyed. Unfortunately, that same night, D's condition took a turn for the worse after physical positioning changes were required for a scan. Again, Arthur worked tirelessly to stabilize him, ensuring his best chance for survival.

Somehow, he also kept me informed throughout the night and through my trauma. Arthur's updates ranged from cautiously optimistic to devastatingly difficult news that sometimes felt like it stripped away every bit of hope I had. Yet, even when the updates were nearly unbearable, Arthur delivered them with honesty, compassion, and a steady presence that helped me process the gravity of the situation. The outlook was very grim that evening. No one wanted to give me false hope. Which I appreciated even though it broke my heart. The next day, when Arthur walked in, he surprised me with the bright smile he gave D. He was truly, genuinely happy and surprised to see that we had made it through the night.

Another aspect that set Arthur apart was his ability to connect with everyone in my family. Over the next few days, ten of us gathered at my husband's bedside, each of us processing the crisis in our own way. Arthur took the time to provide comfort and understanding to every single person, ensuring none of us felt lost or forgotten. This experience profoundly changed how I view healthcare, death, life, and love. Arthur didn't just save my husband's life; he gave me hope and the courage to make an impossible decision. His ability to balance life-saving expertise with genuine compassion is extraordinary. I know whatever the outcome had been, I would have made the best decisions I could have based on the insight Arthur provided. I was able to engage with this experience in a completely vulnerable yet clear-eyed and data-driven way, thanks to Arthur's consistent, gentle, and informed care.

My perspective on the beauty of each moment, my appreciation for life, and my love for my loved ones have all been heightened. I learned so much about the beauty and power of knowledge, responsibility, and who I am, that I am forever changed thanks to Arthur's patience and grace. I will always be grateful for Arthur's kindness, dedication, and humanity. He is more than deserving of the DAISY Award and stands as a shining example of the best in nursing.