I have been coming to the Abramson Cancer Center for the last four months or so for treatments after a diagnosis of MDS. While all my experiences and visits there have been wonderful, and the cancer center is filled with wonderful nurses, today I had a great experience with Melissa. Melissa took the time today to sit and talk with me during a brief treatment and talked about her own personal experiences.  I felt immediately comfortable talking with Melissa about some of the struggles that I have dealt with over the course of these last four or five months, both emotionally and physically, and she offered suggestions and encouragement that could help. The fact that she took the time to not only address my physical care but, my emotional needs as well, meant a lot to me and made such a huge difference in my day. 

I can’t stress enough that all the nurses that I’ve encountered there have been wonderful but today Melissa went above and beyond and making a difference in my journey as such, I wanted to nominate her for the DAISY Award for making a difference. I can only imagine how many lives she touches on a daily basis by being such a warm, caring, and compassionate nurse, and I am thankful for nurses like her.  I find comfort in knowing that she and other nurses who work at the Abramson Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital will be there for me during this long journey that I have ahead of me.  Thank you, Melissa.