This nomination is a long time coming, but so very well-deserved! It was a couple of weeks after the world closed down due to the Pandemic. Hospitals were starting to fill up, and everybody was on edge – and I went and had a heart attack. I don’t have heart disease, per se, but I have been diagnosed with SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection). I had had a heart attack 7 years prior, which was what led to that diagnosis. The timing wasn't great as my sweet husband had recently been diagnosed with Glioblastoma and had just started chemotherapy. With his immune system so compromised, the last place I wanted to go was a hospital. I was first taken to a Level II Trauma Center, as my heart had stopped in the ambulance. They got me stabilized and transferred me to Kaiser Santa Rosa a few hours later. Enter my angel on earth - Tasaday!

Because of the pandemic, they sequestered me in a fairly isolated section of the hospital that I mostly had to myself. Tasaday made me feel safe and well cared for, asking about my family and getting me settled. I remember feeling bad about taking up her time when so many people were fighting for their lives with COVID-19, but she never once rushed me or made me feel like a burden. I was feeling okay after being transferred - until I wasn't. I remember being on the phone, checking on my family, when things started to get blurry. I quickly ended my call as I didn't want to worry my husband. I was hooked up to all kinds of machinery and must have set something off because the next thing I knew, the cavalry swept in, led by Tasaday. I was slipping out of consciousness, and I remember Tasaday grabbing my hand and saying, "Look at me, I've got you! You are good! We will take good care of you." She held tight to my hand and kept talking to me calmly but firmly, letting me know that she was there and encouraging me to breathe. I came around, feeling exhausted and somewhat confused. Tasaday was in the room with me, checking my vitals. She was so kind and attentive in her actions, making me feel like I was in very good hands. I wish I could convey the peace and comfort that Tasaday provided to me that night. I asked about her family, and she just lit up, telling me about her partner and how special he was. I was so happy to hear about some fun they had together, as it reminded me how grateful I was for my family, and that I needed to be well for them. I felt connected to her as one would with a friend who is helping you through a difficult time. Clinically, I was very well cared for, but the compassion Tasaday showed me will never be forgotten.

Fast forward a year, and we were back in the hospital; this time, my husband was the patient. He was being well cared for, and I asked his nurse if she knew who Tasaday was. With a huge smile, she said, "Of course - everybody knows Tasaday!" Tasaday happened to be out in the hall at that moment and stepped in to say "Hi". It felt like a full-circle moment, and I am so very glad that I got to introduce my husband to my earth angel and he got to give her a hug! Thank you, Tasaday, for making the world a better place!