I have only lived in the state of Virginia for a couple of years now. Recently, I found myself at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital after being referred by my doctor to have an outpatient MRI done. Initially, when I arrived, everything was going well. But, shortly after beginning my MRI, I got a severe headache with right-sided facial pain. When the MRI was complete, the technician realized that I was unbalanced as I was getting off the machine. I wasn't sure what was happening to me, but I was determined to get dressed and get home because I had such a busy weekend ahead of me. Once I finished getting dressed, my unsteadiness began to increase. Before I knew it, there was a team at my side encouraging me to be evaluated in the emergency department. Everything was so chaotic and moving so fast. During all of this, one person really stood out to me, she was an exceptional nurse, her name was Ashley.

During this whole process, I was so out of it, and most of what I can recall is that I was determined to leave. I felt like if I could just go home, my symptoms would subside, and everything would pass. I continuously expressed my desire to leave to the team that was providing me care. During this time, Ashley was so attentive and engaged. She took the time to explain to me why they were so concerned and shared with me that the team was concerned I was having a stroke. Initially, this really scared me because my mother had a stroke, and all I could remember was what an impact it had on her life. But Ashley put me at ease with her genuine care and sincerity. She calmly encouraged me to stay and put me at ease by explaining everything to me so clearly. She was entirely focused on me and ensuring that I was going to have the best possible outcome.

The service that she provided to me on this Thursday afternoon likely changed the course of my life because, ultimately, she was the one who convinced me to stay and get the treatment I needed. As a result of this, I have a better understanding of my diagnosis and am doing much better, actively participating in physical therapy. The care and engagement that she showed me allowed me to better participate in my own care because of her compassion and sincerity. You can tell that she treats people like this on a daily basis because it came so naturally to her to treat me so well. Truthfully, I don't believe even my own daughter could have convinced me to stay the way that Ashley did.

I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity to nominate her for this award because she is truly so deserving and such a special individual. It would not surprise me to hear that she has already received this award as a result of the care she provided someone else. She made such an incredible impact on my life, and I hope that one day I will be able to meet her again and give her a big hug. It is scary to think what could have happened to me had she not been there and I had ended up leaving. We need more people in service with her attitude and spirit. Keep up the good work, Ashley, don't ever stop. I will never forget you, you led the pack when it came to my care and I am so grateful to have met you during this chaotic, frightening time in my life.