My 79 year old grandfather was admitted to Kettering Health Miamisburg after a hip break from a fall. He was transferred from the ER to the floor in which, by later that day he was declining. He ended up on the step-down ICU Unit. It was here where he met Izzy Bowling. Her personality, compassion, and kindness for my grandfather and myself in those difficult moments were something I will never forget. We had gone from him being fine to him not being able to breathe and completely not like himself. He continued to get worse so he was transferred to the ICU. While in ICU there was a nurse named Brenda Korzan that was so sweet and kind and helped the family feel at ease when they came to visit my grandfather. Brenda spoke to me in a way I knew she cared for my family and you could tell she loved what she did. During these three nights, my aunt and I slept in the waiting room every night. Sunday night, Izzy saw me laying down and came over to ask me how my grandfather was doing. She had a cart that she was taking around and passing out sweets and drinks to all the nurses there. I informed her he wasn’t doing good and at this time, we had already called Hospice in. She gave me the biggest hug to comfort me, gave me a doughnut, coffee, and hot chocolate k-cups. She talked with me and told me several times that if I needed anything to let her know. My grandfather was then transferred back to the step-down unit after Hospice was called. We had a nurse named Erin Renfro. I hadn’t eaten in 3 days, and I had 2 other family members with me that wanted me to try and eat. I was too nervous to leave him alone in fear he might pass away alone. Erin told me she would be up and down the hallway to check on him if I wanted to go to the cafeteria to get some food. So me and my family went to the cafeteria, got food and came back to the room and Erin was still in the room. She informed us she stayed in the room the whole time because I was so concerned and she would want that if it was her family laying in the bed. This was so heartwarming to me that someone that didn’t know us or my grandfather cared so much for him during that time. It was this day my grandfather passed away. Erin checked on me several times after he passed while I sat by his bed. She comforted me during this time with her touch and her words. These 3 nurses went above and beyond for my grandfather, myself, and my family in a time of heartbreak and when we were falling apart. These 3 nurses will have an impact on me for the rest of my life and I cannot thank them enough for being so kind, caring, and compassionate. As a Kettering Health Employee and as a family member, I want to thank Izzy, Brenda, and Erin for everything you have and continue to do for Kettering.

This is Brenda's second DAISY Award!