I was diagnosed and admitted to Long Island Jewish Medical Center with DKA. I had no idea what was happening to me. I didn't know that high blood sugar could cause all the misery I was feeling. The first night, I was in a different room with other nurses, whom I don't remember. The next day, I was moved and met Lekhma Holiprosad for the first time. I will never forget her care and kindness. By then, it was explained to me by the doctors and others my very bad health situation.

Lekhma's care and compassion made this hard pill a bit easier to swallow. She gave me hope and encouragement that, yes, life will be different, but if I follow the advice of the doctor, eat right, measure my glucose, and take my medication, life will be okay. I was with her for only 2 days, but she had a major impact on me. She showed me how to give myself insulin and told me that I needed to do it if I wanted to go home. Once again, she encouraged me to do something that I never knew I could do. Lekhma is not only a nurse by title, she a true caregiver in every meaning of the word.