I was in the CICU after major open-heart surgery, including a Ross procedure and mitral valve replacement. It was the hardest week of my life, and I did not know what to expect.

When I first regained consciousness after being intubated and sedated, Yuriy Zbyrak was my nurse. He was incredibly supportive as I learned how to speak again. When I felt discouraged because I could not breathe or speak properly, Yuriy offered words of encouragement. As my speech improved, he answered every question I had, whether it was about my care or even casual conversations about movies and life.

Throughout my week there, he became a familiar, friendly face. I was almost sad to leave the CICU without saying goodbye, but thankfully, on my last day, I was able to hug him and do so. A terrifying moment occurred when I was assigned to a different nurse and woke up with blurry vision. Doctors feared I was having a stroke, and a rapid response was called.

Afterward, when I returned to my room, Yuriy took over as my nurse for the rest of the day, and I felt completely safe in his care. Whether I was learning to speak again or working to regain my balance, Yuriy provided the best care I could have asked for. I hoped he would be my nurse every day. Even when he was not assigned to me, he still came to visit and ask how I was doing. Yuriy left a lasting impression on both me and my girlfriend. He consistently went above and beyond for his patients and devoted himself to helping me recover and become the best version of myself.