A veteran requested to speak to me (Nurse Manager) during a visit. During that time, she was tearful in expressing her appreciation for August Hester. We talked briefly, and I told her that I would call to speak to her further.

“You know, I was recently diagnosed with cancer. After I found out, she was the first person to reach out to me because I needed a referral. I came into the clinic to get my doctor to enter the consult. Ms. Hester saw that I was crying. I told her I have breast cancer. She gave me a hug and consoled me. She sat down and talked to me. I shared everything I had been going through the past year and the things that I was dealing with. She said, ‘ok you’re going to get through this. Anything we need to do, I am going to be here for you.'

The next time, I came back to the clinic because I was confused and distraught about what’s next. My thyroid was out of whack, and my blood pressure was elevated. She (August) was so calming and helped me out. I got my blood drawn, and we talked while I was waiting. As soon as the results came back, she called me and gave me my results. Before I knew it, a medication arrived in the mail to manage my symptoms.

The third time, I was about to have a breakdown. I needed a consult after seeing a radiation therapist. I went to see the surgeon and then needed to see the oncology doctor. I was having a hard time, and they wanted me to go back to the VA. It’s not that I didn’t want care in the VA, but I was trying to go back to the same provider for continuity. She told me she would get the doctor to put in a consult, and I hand-carried the referral to the oncologist. They worked it out, and everything fell together. I’ve been handling things and trying not to cry. She gave me the biggest hug, and I felt that I could go on.

Once the consult was approved, August was cheering me on and telling me I was going to get through. Her compassion and support are what have been getting me through.”