My son, S, is 33 years of age, doesn't smoke, drink, or do drugs, and had his first heart failure in 2023 in New Mexico and was medically flown to UMC Lubbock, TX, where he stayed a week in ICU. He was released with medications and a vest. In 2024, my son was playing golf with his cousins and felt very tired and told his pals he was going to lie down. But he knew something was wrong! He drove nearby to a friend's place of work to see if she could take him to the hospital because he knew something was not right and felt an urgency to get help. He arrived at Rapides General Emergency in Alexandria, LA, where he said, " I think I am having a heart attack." They were kind of in disbelief because he is a picture of health. They ran an EKG and he was immediately diagnosed with a major heart attack. Heart cath, stents, and a pump were placed on him. They did all they could for him and medically flown on a vent to Ochsner ICU. Here we had a team of doctors who were excellent, however, I am writing for a nurse who deserves to be recognized with the DAISY Award, Michael Gravois RN ICU.

His incredible knowledge and perseverance to serve have an unconscious way of making my son feel secure and comfortable. He zests for the greater good; he never left my son's side if it wasn't just sitting with him and talking sports. He built a rapport with my son that I am certain will turn into a long friendship. Micheal "Mike" Gravois is an image of the late Dr Alton Ochsner: "Don't forget you are treating people. You are not treating a disease, but people". Personally, Mike imbues me with his intellectual energy to provide for my son. It is not often one has the opportunity to have such greatness, and I wanted to share this with his peers. It is with great pleasure and honor that I write these words about Micahel Gravois.