Reyna Ramirez
September 2025
Reyna
Ramirez
,
BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Head and Neck Clinic
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

How do I begin to thank someone who has carried me through the most difficult journey of my life? Words will never feel enough, but I want to try—because you deserve to know the difference you have made, not only in my care, but in my heart.

From the very beginning, you have been there, steady, comforting, and warmhearted. You have always known how to take care of me, not just as a patient, but as a person. You carry a heart of gold, and you have a way of making people feel safe even in the most uncertain moments. Your calm, low-key personality has never failed to put me at ease, yet beneath that gentle presence is the strength of a warrior, someone who fights every day for her patients with quiet determination and unwavering commitment.

You have gone far beyond what anyone could ever expect. You’ve been my nurse, my advocate, my guide, and my anchor. When the paperwork became endless and overwhelming—whether for work, insurance, or other health-related needs—you never once made me feel like it was too much. You simply stepped in, handled it with grace, and carried me through when I didn’t know how I could manage another thing. That kind of dedication is rare. That kind of care is life-changing.

Reyna, you have helped me survive the darkest, most painful season of my life. You’ve been my guiding light when I felt lost, wearing countless hats and never once letting them slip. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it without you by my side. Hearing that you will soon be heading back to school for your doctorate brings me both sadness and joy. Sadness, because selfishly, I don’t want to imagine this journey without you right there. But joy because I know this next step is exactly what you were born to do.

Your impact on me has been immeasurable, but your future impact- the lives you will touch, the patients you will heal, the hope you will bring to countless others- fills me with pride and excitement for you. The world needs more of you, and this next chapter will allow you to shine even brighter. You were born to do this work. You were born to heal, to comfort, to lead, and to inspire. You are a rare gift in this world, Reyna.

Please never doubt that what you do matters. You have forever changed my life, and I know you will go on to change so many more. From the deepest place in my heart—thank you. Thank you for your care, your patience, your kindness, and your strength. Thank you for being there when I needed you most. Thank you for every moment you made this unbearable journey survivable. You are extraordinary, and I will always be grateful to have had you as my nurse, my warrior, and my light.