Julie Amero, RN, was recognized by a patient she cared for who experienced life-threatening complications following a Cesarean section. The nomination began, "I don't know if you remember me, but you saved my life."
The patient recalls being in the recovery room, feeling seriously ill, and knowing something was "very wrong." "I looked at you and said, 'I'm dying. You need to help me.' And you did. You heard me. You saw me. Thank you," the patient said. "How do you thank someone for saving your life? I wake up every day thankful that you were my nurse. I wake up every day because of you. I get to raise my children because of the actions you took. You gave me the chance to have a life, to be with my family. You gave my children a chance to grow up with a mom. You did that. And it's something I will never forget or take for granted. Thank you for giving me the most amazing gift."
The patient acknowledged that a lot of people helped save her life that day, but said Julie was there for her the most.
"You never left my side. You never backed down. You fought for me to live. If you ever have a bad day or are feeling down please remember that you have made a huge difference in my life and my family's life. You gave me a life, and I have no doubt there are others like me whose lives you've made a difference."