I’m writing to nominate one of your amazing nurses, Stephanie D’Andrea. She works in the ostomy center in the medical arts building and she also sees patients while they are in the hospital. 
 
All surgeries come with their own unique challenges but needing an emergency colostomy is a different ballgame. Not only is it frightening and complicated, but it also comes with a significant amount of embarrassment. When I had my unexpected colostomy surgery in December, I was so lucky that I had Stephanie as my ostomy nurse because she was also my cheerleader, and I couldn’t have gotten through any of it without her. 
 
I met her when she came to mark the location for my incision, and then she returned after surgery to teach me how to use the products. By that point, I was completely overwhelmed and crying because I felt I wouldn’t be able to get through it. With compassion, empathy, and confidence, she assured me, “I know this is a lot, and it’s not easy, but I understand what you’re feeling, and you’re not alone. You can get through this, and I know you will.” She stopped teaching me for a few minutes and just sat by my side to comfort me and let me cry it out. She must have realized how much I needed that and it made all the difference. I didn’t just get through it all, but I thrived thanks to her believing in me, and her help and support throughout my recovery. 
 
In the following weeks, I had several appointments at the ostomy center and Stefanie was always thorough and knowledgeable and she made sure I clearly understood how the supplies worked and all of my options, and she was there to support me whenever I had any questions. 
 
Fast forward to March when I was able to have a second surgery, this time to have my colostomy reversed. After surgery, I was being wheeled back to my room, and Stephanie just happened to be walking through the hallway. Even though she had probably seen hundreds of patients since she saw me last, she recognized me immediately, and she joyfully rejoiced that my surgery was successful. A few days later, I was discharged and wheeled downstairs. The elevator doors opened, and coincidentally, there was Stephanie! She just happened to be getting off the elevator at that moment and we both screamed a little with excitement. She told me she knew I’d get through it all, and she was clearly and genuinely thrilled that everything went well for me. I feel like I could accomplish anything after having survived the last three months, and that perspective was all because of her. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and she was by my side through it all. 
 
Stephanie made all the difference for me and turned my anxiety, confusion, frustration, and fear into positivity, confidence, and determination. She gave me the strength to overcome the challenges I was facing and she believed in me when I was at my weakest. While nursing maybe her job, a paycheck can’t buy the compassion, warmth, and empathy that she brings over and above to her work; that is organic and comes straight from the heart. She is a ray of sunshine that cuts through the darkness and I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of The DAISY Award than Stephanie.