My 61-year-old father was admitted to the observation floor after going to the ED with pain. It was an incredibly scary time for our family because his health had been rapidly declining for the past two months, and the previous CT scan had shown masses in his lungs and liver. We were still waiting for a liver biopsy and an appointment with an oncologist, so the uncertainty was overwhelming.

Lora was not only the charge nurse on the floor, but she was also my father's nurse for two days. During that time, she provided extraordinary care while remaining kind, professional, and calm. She had a gentle way of easing our uncertainty, even adding moments of humor when it felt appropriate, which meant so much to our family during such a stressful time. Lora was incredibly knowledgeable and always took the time to explain what she was doing and why. She also kept us informed about the coordination happening behind the scenes and her communication with other providers involved in my father's care. This transparency helped us feel included and reassured. What stood out most was how Lora went above and beyond to advocate for my father. She worked hard to coordinate with the radiology department to ensure he could get his biopsy while he was already in the hospital, rather than waiting longer for an outpatient appointment. That effort meant everything to us as time felt incredibly precious.

In addition to caring for my father, Lora demonstrated true leadership as charge nurse. She mentioned stepping in to cover the floor so that other staff could take lunch breaks, showing the same dedication to her colleagues that she showed to her patients. From the moment we met her, it was clear that Lora was a nurse who genuinely cares and goes the extra mile for both her patients and her team. During this tense and frightening time in our lives, her compassion, skill, and advocacy made a lasting impact on our father and family.

Thank you, Lora.