This nomination was submitted by a UMMC team member who has turned into a patient's family member: "My child was clearly ill, had concerning lab work, and we had no answers and were being told we had a long wait ahead of us to see a doctor. Our pediatrician made a few calls and let me know someone would be in touch. That someone was Tiona.

Tiona gave me a call and let me know that she was fitting us in the following week. While I have never actually met Tiona, she has been my lifeline at the end of a MyChart message or phone call. She has helped to pass information between me and Dr. W. She has worked with me to reschedule testing when my child’s condition worsened, and I knew she could no longer wait. She has gone to battle with me against an insurance giant that did not want to provide coverage for the necessary treatment. Tiona was always truthful, and we shared information so that we could work together to get the needed approvals. She has always answered my messages in a timely manner, been pleasant, and kind. We appreciate her time and dedication to my daughter’s case. We know we are just one of many families in the clinic who need care, answers, support, and help. I was never made to feel like I was a bother or asking too much. Learning that your child has a chronic illness is scary and difficult, but we have felt supported, heard, and cared for by Tiona and Dr. W."