Sallyann Fortini
December 2019
Sallyann
Fortini
,
RN
Pediatric Procedure Unit
Baystate Medical Center
Springfield
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 13-years-old. My doctor started treatment with pills, topical treatments, and diet. Two years later my colitis was still not in remission. The doctor recommended that I start infusion treatments. I was scared because I had never done anything like that before.
After two years of colonoscopies, blood tests, etc., I had gotten over my earlier fear of needles, but I was still really nervous about being hooked up to an IV with medication for that much time; not knowing if I would have to do that for the rest of my life!
Sally made all my fears vanish. She greeted me with a smile, asked how I was doing and took the time to really listen and laugh with me. She reassured me about the treatment and helped me regain a sense of hope that I would feel better. It makes me feel good that she is as excited to see me as I am to see her. My experience with Sally inspired me to become a Pediatric Nurse too. I want to help children with medical needs too.
I want to be someone's Sally!