As far as I’m concerned, Nicole should be honored with this award and many thereafter. Why do I speak so highly of her?  Well, for starters, she is an amazing person. She not only knows her job well but also has an incredible work ethic.

I had the opportunity to watch her do her job both by herself and with her peers. Nicole creates a comfortable atmosphere in a place that’s normally scary, cold, and overwhelming. When I was at my sickest—physically and emotionally—after receiving chemotherapy, this nurse became my anchor. She didn’t just care for me clinically; she cared for me as a person. She took the time to truly listen, never rushing, always making sure I felt seen and heard.

What stood out the most was how she went above and beyond to bring me comfort. She brought me coloring pages and word games to help distract me from the pain and anxiety. When I was in distress, she advocated for me and made sure I had the pain relief I needed. On one particularly difficult day, she spent over an hour by my side, simply talking with me—offering her presence, compassion, and calmness.

In a place that can often feel sterile and frightening, she made me feel safe, supported, and cared for in the most genuine way. Her kindness was healing in ways that medicine alone never could be. I will never forget the impact she had on me during one of the hardest times of my life.