Laurie Dolan, LPC

I am commending my nurse partner in our internal medicine practice for using the experience of her own tragic loss for good, as she provided compassionate care to two different patients who recently suffered devastating losses.

We recently cared for a young woman with several young children who lost her husband in an accident, in addition to caring for a woman whose young adult son took his own life without warning. The loss of a spouse and loss of a child are felt to be the most difficult losses an individual can suffer. Laurie Dolan suffered the loss of her own young adult son unexpectedly 6 years ago. When each of our two grieving patients came to see us in need of help following their losses, Laurie listened compassionately and bravely shared her own difficult story. She was able to offer specific tips that helped her to get through that time and ways to remember and honor their lost loved ones. She was able to speak from experience and serve as a living example, assuring them that the pain and grief will lessen over time. I nominate Laurie for "owning the moment" to offer comfort and the possibility of light at the end of a dark time for these women.