I am a veteran and have been using the VA system for a very long time. This is the first time that I have encountered such a loyal, dedicated nurse who went above and beyond the call of duty to take care of a veteran.

When I came to the domiciliary for help, I was homeless and had to put all my belongings in storage. Once I got to the domiciliary, I realized that my much-needed BGIPAP machine was in storage. I needed my BIPAP to help me with sleep. Several days in the domiciliary, and I had not gotten more than six hours of sleep. I even attributed my fall to my lack of sleep, making me very restless (I am also an amputee). After I got permission to go to my storage to obtain my BIPAP, I realized that my hose and my mask were not there.

I was panicking and telling another veteran about my fear of not finding parts for my BIPAP while at the storage. Nurse Graham overheard me talking and came out, politely intervened, and asked me about my mask. Nurse Graham asks me to see my mask so that she can compare it to hers. Nurse Graham was so concerned about my not being able to get sleep because of my mask situation that she called her daughter at home and had her facetime and show her the mask that she uses so that we could compare it to mine. Being a veteran, Nurse Graham stated that the VA sent her supplies all the time and that she may have extra that I could have. I was so humbled by Nurse Graham sharing that she was also a veteran and required a CPAP and was willing to freely help me.

The next day, Nurse Graham brought in all new supplies still in the wrapping from the VA, just like what I had for my machine, and offered to give it to me. I tried to pay her for the supplies, but Nurse Graham stated that she got them from the VA just like he did, and it would be unethical and inhumane for her to charge me for supplies that the VA provided to her for free.

I was truly grateful to Nurse Graham for going out of her way to help me because I was not getting any sleep, which made me very sleepy during classes, which could have resulted in my being kicked out of the program. I was really panicking because I needed the help of the domiciliary. My nurse case manager and I went over to the CPAP department and were told that my system was so old and that it would take weeks before I would see any supplies. I feel like Nurse Graham really saved my life just by that exceptional act of kindness that she bestowed upon me. She did not have to do what she did, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Nurse Graham is a nurse who shows that she loves her job and is truly dedicated to providing exceptional service to the veterans in the domiciliary.