A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with Borderline Ovarian Cancer with a mass on my right ovary at 19 weeks pregnant. My care was through the Women's Health Clinic where Ms. Tonya is a nurse. From the moment we met she was incredibly kind and caring. At 20 weeks, I underwent surgery to have the mass removed. Following the surgery I was placed in the MSU where they left me for 12 hours not knowing if my baby had a heartbeat, as they did not have an appropriate tech on staff at that moment. At my follow-up appointment the next day I spoke with Ms. Tonya about it and she made sure that we were able to get a sonogram done. I was kept under close observation following the surgery to make sure I was okay.

Fast forward five months to the day after my delivery when I had to make a trip to the Women's Health Center due to high blood pressure readings. Ms. Tonya conducted the appointment and then with a big smile asked if she could see the baby. From then on until I moved she would see me in the hallways ( I worked at the hospital as well), say hi, and ask how the baby and I were doing.

It's been 6 months since my last encounter with Ms. Tonya and 2 months since I moved from Ohio to Nevada. That didn't stop Ms. Tonya from calling me last week to remind me that I'm due for an important scan, to see if I have established a new care plan and to see how baby girl and I are doing. When we got off the phone I cried because I was overwhlemed by her dedication and just how much she cares about her patients. Ms. Tonya got me through one of my darkest moments and was able to see me at my happiest. I will forever be grateful for her and think about her as I watch my little girl grow up.