Tony was the ER nurse working the day I came into the ER with what we now know was a very aggressive case of multifocal pneumonia. At the time, though, doctors and nurses were waiting in line, knocking on my door to perform countless tests and asking me questions about my symptoms, trying to diagnose me.

I was getting sicker by the hour. I was terrified, and Tony kept me as calm as possible by reassuring me that I was in the best possible hands to find out what was wrong with me. He asked me questions about myself to distract my brain from the doctors continuously coming in and out of the room, and we learned that we were birthday twins and other similarities that made me feel connected to him.

When the doctors told me I might have to be intubated, Tony was by my side, reminding me to focus on my breathing and to stay calm. I was on 90% oxygen when I was transferred out of the ER to the ICU.

Before going back downstairs, Tony held my hand and once again told me I was in the right place to receive the best care.

Two days later, I was still in the ICU when there was a knock on my door; It was Tony coming to check on me! The fact that he made time to come and see how I was doing meant the world to me. He gave me a huge hug and told me he had been praying for me to get better, and I burst into tears.

As an ER nurse, in a big city like Chicago, I know how busy the ER can be! His genuine concern for my well-being was not lost on me, and I have no doubt this is just who Tony is as a person and as a nurse at Rush Hospital.

He is so deserving of this award that recognizes nurses who go above and beyond for their patients.

I'm happy to share that I've now made a full recovery, but I will never forget him or the kindness he showed towards me at what was a very scary moment in time for me.