I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and had my first treatment several weeks ago at The James in Columbus. Shortly after, I got a virus/high temp. and had to go to Kettering Health Miamisburg and was admitted.

Sick, coughing nonstop, not knowing what to expect from the chemo, and my hair falling out by the handful…I was miserable. I could not sleep. About 3:30 AM, I rang for my nurse, Jaiden Perez, who had been so good to me. I asked if I could borrow a pair of scissors. She asked why, a little concerned. I explained I wanted to cut off what was left of my hair because it was all over the bed. She said, “Oh, I will do it for you.” I said, “You will?” She said “yes!”, then left.

A few minutes later, a knock at my door, and there stood 3 extraordinary “angel” nurses – one with scissors/comb in hand. Jaiden explained that Shanda Morgan was not only a nurse, but a hairdresser. And, Ciera Henderson, the charge nurse, was giving me hugs and encouragement.

Somebody closed the door. Shanda (the amazing nurse/hairdresser) grabbed a chair, trash can, and towels, and went to work. Her fingers were flying over my head, pulling out all the loose hair. She said I am going to give you a pixie cut with the little hair you have left…and she did. Even though it was so hard to lose my hair, I felt so much better. In that room that night stood 3 of the most caring people I have ever met, and they are nurses.

The rest of the nurses and staff were also amazing and deserve recognition. When I was discharged, they gave me a beautiful gift I will always cherish, and came to my door to wish me well. Some of the names were: Ciera, Christa, Shanda, Mary, Sydney, Doug, Jaiden, Kinsey, Jufie, Sara, Vera, and Shannon.

I would love to nominate Jaiden Perez, Ciera Henderson, and especially Shanda Morgan for cutting my hair to be recognized for going above and beyond that night for the DAISY Award. Three extraordinary nurses!