My beginning story felt a bit like a Grey’s Anatomy episode because of how unusual my case was, and numerous interns/residents (including the Chief Surgeon) kept stopping by my room. But once I began treatment for my Stage 4B cancer diagnosis, things leveled out.

After an emergency hysterectomy and debulk surgery (they didn’t realize how extensive my cancer was; they debated sewing me up and sending me home to a “comfortable” death at 36), I began incredibly harsh chemo and was referred to Palliative Care. I have stunned my oncologist and myself by living far longer than anticipated, and my cancer not raging.

I have had countless nurses and doctors these last three years, mostly all great, but there’s one nurse who has always gone above and beyond. I don’t think I could handle any of this without her constant kindness, understanding, and extraordinary care.

Nurse Juanita Georges has been such a constant source of help and support,  transforming great care into excellent care. She has made sure I am heard in emergencies,  from assisting me in the ER by making a call when I was there and my Zofran was running out (because I didn’t anticipate being there 8 hours and no one was listening… to late last summer, getting doctors immediately involved when half of my body ballooned due to major lymph issues… to after surgeries when I needed medication help. She has selflessly worked late to sort problems, kept an eye out for medication issues, dealt with my tears, and calmed me during panic attacks.

She is such an incredible asset to University Hospital.

One appointment, my parents were in the waiting area while I was being seen. They were talking to a man with cancer who told them he refused treatment but would come to palliative for pain help until cancer took him. He shared that he didn’t have a place to live and struggled. My parents said, “This wonderfully kind nurse came out, someone he clearly adored. She gave him the prescription from his doctor and then stealthily handed him a change of clothes and new shoes.” After she left, he remarked that she was always so kind and caring in ways she didn’t have to be.

I said, “I bet it was Juanita.” My parents confirmed her name, and I wasn’t in the least surprised.

She constantly looks for ways to help that exceed her duty, and she does so without the desire for praise or recognition. She’s honest, professional, incredibly caring, and never lets anything fall through the cracks. Her word is a contract; she always follows through.

While every nurse in palliative care is great and kind, there is something incredibly special about Juanita and the care she gives to her patients.

While I would never wish my diagnosis on anyone, I would hope that everyone is blessed with someone as wonderful, caring, and intelligent as Juanita. Not only is she an incredible nurse, but she is also an exceptional person.

I will never be able to adequately thank her for the immense impact she has had on my life, especially during one of the most terrifying medical diagnoses I never thought I’d ever be dealing with at my age.