My sister was picking up my dad from Dinwiddie rehab and bringing him to Myrtle Beach. Most of the family was already there, and we were excited for him to join us. Our joy turned into fright as we received a call from rehab indicating he was transported to Southside Medical due to breathing difficulties. Once he arrived and was assessed, it became clear that the usual methods were not helping, and a choice had to be made about whether to put him on a ventilator. With only one sister of five here in Virginia, we decided to have him intubated. What a stressful time.

We arrived only to have my dad sedated and very sick with pneumonia and a blood infection. With our dad's life hanging in the balance, Tammy entered our lives as my dad's ICU Nurse. Tammy was very positive with us and took care of my dad with such dignity. Tammy spoke to him like he was fully awake and could respond, yet he was still sedated. She always took the time to answer our questions and provide us with information. They decided to take the breathing tube out. She reassured us and said she would get us once it was done. Tammy was excited for us as she took us back. As she continued to care for him off the vent, she showed him such compassion and patience. We all felt like she loved her job and loved caring for our dad. She advocated for him and wanted only the best recovery for him. We truly don't know how we would have handled this experience without her.