After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, undergoing a stent placement and then later a CRT-D implantation, I was not exactly thrilled to have to commit to a 36-session cardiac rehab program as I had difficulty driving and never felt well enough to do anything, often feeling like I was on the edge of blacking out.

Nurse Nancy literally saved my life, observing my symptoms and advocating on my behalf to my doctors personally. She recognized that I was over-medicated (something I suspected myself) as I was constantly fatigued, dizzy, fainting, and logging blood pressures in the range of 80/40s consistently.

My doctors wanted to add more new meds and increase the current ones, and I was at the point of not wanting to see the doctors anymore, feeling depressed, and questioning the validity of cardiac rehab. Nurse Nancy went to see my cardiologist personally to share her concerns while I was in class one day, and let me know he would be reaching out to meet with me very soon.

Because of her concern, her personal communication with my cardiologist, and her advocacy for me, I received the attention I needed to address my concerns. My meds were reduced, and I finally started to feel better.

I began to enjoy going to Cardiac Rehab, knowing that I could trust my health and well-being to Nurse Nancy. She makes you feel like family, even introduces you to everyone in the class, so that you don't feel alone and can share your journey with others who have similar experiences. She goes out of her way, above and beyond and greets you each class with a warm smile and acknowledgement and lets you know how happy she is to see you.

I went from being depressed to actually enjoying my cardiac rehab sessions, all thanks to Nurse Nancy. I also know that without her going out of her way to advocate for me, I would still be struggling today, miserable and depressed.

Nurse Nancy deserves to be recognized for her efforts and for being the outstanding nurse that she is.