My wife and I have both been hospitalized at Van Wert Hospital over the past few months. My admission was due to a stroke. As the primary caregiver for my wife, who has dementia, I was scared and uncertain about how long I would be hospitalized and whether I would be able to return home to care for her.

From the moment I met Vanessa, she made a lasting impression. She took the time to explain every step of my care, making sure I understood the process and was as comfortable as possible. More importantly, she reminded me of something I desperately needed to hear—that I couldn't continue caring for others if I didn't first take care of myself.

Throughout my stay, Vanessa gave me hope. She kept a light at the end of the tunnel, encouraging me to focus on my recovery so I could get back home to my wife. Our interaction began in the Emergency Department, but it didn't end there. She continued checking on me after I was admitted, making sure my needs were met and offering encouragement every time she stopped by. She always had a smile on her face and a warmth about her that immediately put people at ease and made the hospital feel far less intimidating.

Fast forward to when my wife needed emergency medical evaluation. Without hesitation, I brought her to Van Wert Hospital because of the confidence my own experience had given me. I was delighted to see Vanessa again, this time leading her team in the Emergency Department. She wasn't just caring for patients—she was supporting her staff, coordinating care, and leading by example. Watching her work reaffirmed that I had made the right decision in bringing my wife to Van Wert Hospital.

While we waited for an inpatient room, Vanessa spent hours making sure both my wife and I were comfortable. She kept us informed about the expected timeline, answered every question we had, and provided the kind of personal attention that made a difficult hospital stay much easier to endure. Even after we were admitted, she made sure we were settled comfortably and continued helping the nursing staff care for my wife.

Every day she came in for her shift, you could feel the atmosphere change. There was a sense of happiness and peace that spread throughout the unit—not only for us as patients and family members, but seemingly for everyone around her. Her positivity was contagious, and her presence made the entire hospital feel warmer and brighter.

Having experienced Van Wert Hospital as both a patient and a family caregiver, I can confidently speak to the exceptional care Vanessa provides. She exemplifies outstanding leadership and leads by example every single day. She gives her team, her patients, and every visitor confidence that they are receiving the very best care possible.

Van Wert Hospital is fortunate to have Vanessa as both a nurse and a nursing leader. She consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role, elevating the quality of care and strengthening our community's trust in this hospital.

As I told her during my wife's hospitalization, she is "Nurse of the Year" to my family. She deserves recognition at the highest level for the compassion, leadership, and excellence she demonstrates every day.

Thank you, Vanessa, for everything you have done for my family and for our community.