Meaghan Ross, RN, BSN

I’ve restarted this letter several times because I’m not sure any words I put on paper could truly do justice to Meaghan Ross. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but when I reflect on the care this nurse has shown me, I struggle to fully capture the impact she has had on my life. I’ll try my best anyway. It’s not often you meet someone who immediately feels special, someone who radiates warmth the moment they walk into a room, who truly listens not only to every word you say, but also to the words you don’t. Someone who is intentional and thoughtful in the way they interact with others. The way these people carry themselves and care for those around them naturally sets them apart. It’s a gift. While they may not even realize it, everyone around them does.

Over the course of my 26 years, 18 of which I have spent managing a rare disease, I have encountered more healthcare professionals than I can count. To put it into perspective, I have more medical appointments in a single year than many people have in five. I’ve experienced countless infusions, emergency room visits, procedures, and overnight hospital stays. Along the way, I’ve had some wonderful doctors and nurses.

Meaghan was assigned as my nurse during my desensitization protocol that day. She walked into the room with a smile on her face and genuine curiosity in the way she approached me. She had already familiarized herself with my treatment plan and had even spent time researching my disease because she had never encountered it before. But instead of assuming she understood my experience, she approached me with openness and curiosity and allowed me to teach her. That moment meant more to me than I can adequately explain. When I shared what living with my disease was actually like, Meaghan listened intently. More importantly, she applied what she learned to the way she cared for me. As my treatments became more frequent, Meaghan eventually became my primary infusion nurse.

With every visit, she continued to learn who I was beyond my diagnosis. She remembered details about my life outside of treatment, followed up on things that mattered to me, celebrated my wins, and offered support during the difficult moments. Most importantly, she earned my trust. That trust became life-changing during some of the most difficult parts of my treatment journey. Through many hypersensitivity reactions, setbacks, fear, and uncertainty, Meaghan became the person who made me feel safe. She never made me feel like just another patient. She made me feel cared for, protected, and genuinely important. During moments when I was scared and discouraged, I knew I had someone beside me who was not only clinically exceptional but who truly cared whether I was okay. Even when she wasn’t there, she made sure the nurse covering for her understood my case, my needs, and how to handle every possible scenario. That level of care and advocacy is something I will never forget.

Because of Meaghan, I began to feel less afraid of treatment. I felt safer walking into appointments knowing she would be there. I trusted that no matter what obstacle came up, she would advocate for me, support me, and help me keep moving forward. There were moments in this journey when continuing treatment felt overwhelming, but Meaghan’s compassion, consistency, and dedication helped me push through them. Because of Meaghan, the early mornings and long treatment days no longer feel daunting. In fact, I look forward to treatments now. She has empowered me to keep going during moments when I wanted to give up. I know that as long as Meaghan is in my corner, she will do everything possible to ensure this final treatment option is never out of reach for me and that I will always have someone rooting for me. Nursing is so much more than administering medications or following protocols.

At its core, nursing is about humanity, making people feel seen, safe, and cared for during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Meaghan embodies that in every possible way. There are people who do their job well, and then there are people who leave a permanent mark on the lives of those they care for. Meaghan has done that for me. I will never forget the role she has played in helping me navigate not only my treatment but also the emotional weight that comes with living with a chronic illness. I am beyond lucky to say that she has become such a pivotal figure in my life. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a DAISY Award than Meaghan. Beyond the extraordinary care she gives her patients, she continuously goes the extra mile to support her colleagues as well. She is the kind of nurse who changes lives simply by being exactly who she is.