Our 92-year-old father spent the final week of his life in the Cardiac Unit of Saint Peter's Hospital. As his health rapidly declined, there were so many respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, and staff that we were blessed to have by his side. However, one nurse in particular, Kate Schaperjahn, made a connection with Dad that left us all in awe. Her steady confidence when everyone else was uncertain, her thoroughness, her honesty in calmly and clearly delivering answers to my father about his care, and her sincere compassion for him in his final days far exceeded any expectations for a job well done.

Kate was a shining example of the "spirit of nursing" and the perfect example of a person's embodiment of that spirit. We will forever be grateful for the way she walked our father and our family through those final hours. She helped him laugh, provided comfort, and gently reassured him that everything was as it was meant to be. God bless you, Kate. You made Dad feel special, and we will never forget you.