Abbi went above and beyond with my care. She made me feel seen, understood, and unafraid to advocate for what I thought was best for me. One morning I was very upset and frustrated with how I needed help to do simple tasks and all I wanted to do was just be able to shower. She reminded me that it’s okay to need help and that it’s just this week, and then this would all be a memory. She wrote on my bathroom mirror: “You are strong! You got this!” I have been in and out of hospitals throughout the years, but I have never had a nurse leave as much of an impact on me as she did.

The days she was my nurse, she greeted me with a smile, and the conversations we had made me remember that I am not just this version of myself, sick and in a hospital bed. Having years of negative experiences with healthcare providers, I always had my guard up, and I thank her so much for helping me lower it. She was a bright light when I needed it most, and there were so many more kind moments she shared with me during my stay. Please do not take my nomination lightly; please take it with a strong meaning behind it. She made a positive lasting difference in my life, and I would want nothing more than for her to be recognized for this.