Alesa was an absolute gift to our family during the most difficult time of our lives. She displayed a rare combination of kindness, compassion, and deep intuition that truly set her apart. After the neurologist delivered devastating news and we were faced with the unthinkable decision about our daughter’s ventilator, Alesa instinctively knew what to do. Without being asked, she stayed with us in the room. She gently sat with my wife, offering comfort through her presence, her words, and—most importantly—her ability to truly listen. In just 15 minutes, my wife went from overwhelmed and heartbroken to grounded and comforted. Alesa could have easily returned to her duties, but instead, she gave us the gift of her time and empathy. That selfless act made a world of difference. Alesa’s ability to protect and advocate for our family was just as remarkable. When an overly assertive hospice nurse entered the room and created tension during an already fragile moment, Alesa immediately picked up on it. She could sense that the energy was off and that my wife was beginning to struggle. Without hesitation, and without us needing to say a word, she gracefully and professionally stepped in. She clarified that hospice was not currently involved in our daughter’s care and kindly asked the nurse to leave. In doing so, she shielded us from unnecessary stress, giving us space to breathe and process in peace. What made Alesa exceptional wasn’t just her skill—it was her heart. Time and again, she acted with quiet strength, sensitivity, and insight. Her ability to read the room, anticipate needs, and respond with grace made her one of the finest nurses we encountered during our three weeks in the ICU while our daughter was in a coma. Alesa is a gem—an irreplaceable presence and a tremendous asset to SSM. We will forever be grateful for the comfort, advocacy, and compassion she gave us when we needed it most.