During a very difficult and uncertain time for our family, my husband and I had the privilege of being cared for by Larissa. We are from Iowa, and when my husband became ill, we felt very overwhelmed and anxious being so far from home, in a hospital we're not familiar with, but Larissa became a steady and reassuring presence. Her calming demeanor, compassion, and empathy were immediately apparent. From the moment she introduced herself as our nurse for the evening and proceeded with her nursing interventions, I realized she was knowledgeable and capable. She took the time to listen to us and to truly understand our concerns. What impressed us most was her willingness to go the extra mile, checking in with us frequently, not just when she had to come into the room for interventions. She even called the doctor in the middle of the night and consulted with the pharmacy to ensure our urgent medication was ordered. That kind of dedication and advocacy is rare, and we are so grateful for it. She heard it was my birthday and brought me a candy bar and ginger ale as a treat to help me calm down. Larissa embodies everything a nurse should be: competent, compassionate, and committed. We feel very fortunate that she was part of our care team during such a vulnerable time.