Maria Avendano was the vital other half of saving my life. On top of being an incredibly kind, warm, professional, skilled, and knowledgeable nurse, she diplomatically made sure to advocate for the sepsis test despite resistance from the outside surgical team. Staying committed to my care was her #1 priority, and she made sure I was taken care of. Because of her persistence, my sepsis and pneumonia were properly treated. She then continued to make sure I got the follow-up meds and care I needed. I was incredibly terrified, and she never wavered in her calming and comforting care for me. I felt incredibly blessed that Maria was my nurse and had such a big hand in saving my life. She is a blessing to this hospital, and I will be forever grateful.