Brenna Zak
August 2022
Brenna
Zak
,
RN
Lunder 10 Oncology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

She continually held up my mom and told her how proud of her she was and reminded her of how strong she was. I witnessed (once again) how she persistently connected with my mom.
My mother has been dealing with Leukemia and its complications for almost two years now. Throughout this time, we have been supported by numerous nurses doctors, and staff members. Although Brenna has not been with us for this entire journey, she has made an immense impact on my mother and me. I always know when Brenna is my mom's nurse even if I am not able to visit her. I receive happier more positive texts and phone calls detailing my mom's long conversations with Brenna. I have seen Brenna's commitment to my mom in action - she dedicates her time by simply talking with and understanding my mother. These are real honest conversations which demonstrate Brenna's dedication to my mother beyond simply the medical aspect of her job.

Most recently my mother has been struggling with her mobility and her feelings of hopelessness regarding setbacks in her treatment. Over the past week, Brenna has been the only nurse to motivate my mother to get out of bed and walk. Even when my mom wants to give in to despair, Brenna has always been there to outweigh her feelings of hopelessness and motivate her with positivity and affirmation.

This week I was moved to tears to see my mom struggle to walk and hear all the genuine encouragement Brenna gave her. She continually held up my mom and told her how proud of her she was and reminded her of how strong she was. I witnessed (once again) how she persistently connected with my mom. I believe that all of this transcends the purely technical description of her job--Brenna is clearly invested in her patients and their relationship is stronger than I could have imagined. Every day that I visit my mom I hope that Brenna is her nurse because if she is my mom will have a good day.