Mary was my nurse during a night shift and instantly showed she cared. She is an extraordinary human being and a skilled nurse, all rolled into one. Mary was my nurse during one of my first few nights in my hospital stay and made the biggest difference in my journey. I told her how I would be undergoing amputation, and she listened and said all the right words you could ask for in that moment. She reminded me that it doesn't define one and that my beauty comes from within. I mentioned how I didn't know anyone with an amputation, and she gave herself "homework" during her downtime to find social media influencers who were also amputees. This was her way of emphasizing I'm not alone in this journey and reminding me that I can make a beautiful story out of this difficult time.

If that wasn't enough, she went above and beyond in the middle of the night when I was anxious and scared. I shared all of my fears and worries, and she listened intently. I had an upcoming surgery the next day and felt uneasy about it because I still had questions and concerns that I felt hadn't been answered. She went beyond what any other nurse has done and wholeheartedly advocated for me. She messaged providers in the late hours of the night and even tried to get my team of doctors together to answer my questions. She made me feel seen, heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. She always stayed calm and optimistic during my time with her. I am beyond lucky to have crossed paths with Mary and had her as my nurse. She will be someone who made a difference in my life during a time of fear and uncertainty.