I came to BMH a few months ago via the ED. After some time in the ED and tests, it was determined that I had a perforated bowel and needed surgery. After surgery, I was on the 9th floor for the rest of my stay.

When all of this happened, my two girls, aged 15 and 9 (at the time), were home and saw what had to be a completely scary interaction between their dad and the paramedics. The next time I was going to see my kids was a few days later, which was the day before my youngest's 10th birthday. While we had gifts, I told Audri that I was a little bummed that we would not be able to do our normal dinner, dessert, and gifts. I asked if the cafeteria might have cake or something that I could get, even though I was on a clear liquid diet. Audri said she would find out for me.

She later came into the room and asked if my daughter liked gummy bears or worms. I told her that she did. Later that evening Audri came in and brought my daughter a big slice of chocolate cake with all kinds of gummy candy and even a homemade paper candle with a 10 on it. She went far above and beyond any expectations I had. My daughter even called it the best birthday she's ever had.

Thank you, Audri, for taking care of us and making sure that my kids didn't leave the hospital with a negative memory! Audri said she was working as an LPN until she finished with her RN. She is truly an example of what we hope our caregivers will be.