| Meet Allison! Allison is a PCA on the Heme-Onc floor. I often refer to PCA's in my letters. PCA is the modern acronym for nurse's aid. They do vitals, deliver meals, do baths, and generally speaking, are the most helpful people you'll ever meet. The Heme-Onc PCA's are the parents' saviors. They will stay with your little person if you need to run to grab something from the kitchen or elsewhere. They help bail you out when your child has thrown up, wet the bed, or smeared ketchup to the moon. They never complain or act like you're bothering them, and are all friendly to boot!. Heme-Onc PCA's deserve 10 times what they are paid, and then some. Allison is like several of the Heme-Onc PCA's, she's in nursing school. I haven't the foggiest how she manages to keep it all together. She's a full time student, full time PCA, and a mom of an elementary aged son, who does online school like Aurora. She's three women rolled into one - and still cheerful! I'd nominate her for super woman if I could figure out how. Allison touched my heart during our second admission this Spring. She came to tell me that we had been part of a presentation she had done at school. When I wrote my diagnosis letter, I made a copy of it for the floor. Allison had copied it and kept it, because it spoke to her heart about why she does what she does. This Spring, she incorporated my letter into a report she had to give to her fellow nursing students. I was so awestruck that my words had meant something to her. I'm not sure I ever really was able to tell her how much that meant to me. I hope Allison will choose to stay with Heme-Onc after she's done with school. The kids and families need her. She understands the needs of the parents and enjoys the laughter of the kids. She mothers each child like they are her own, and they are all the happier for it. She's definitely one of Avalon's family. She always smiles at "All-sin" and looks for her when she roams the halls. Allison has been blessed with a beautiful warm smile, and a heart to match it. Anyone who gets her as a nurse will be lucky. |
| This is Katie. Katie is a teenage volunteer at Children's. We met Katie when Avalon was in for C-diff - that's why Katie is gowned and gloved. Sarah, a PCA we love, brought Katie into our room one Saturday. Sarah knew that I'd been trapped for days, and oh-so-brilliantly thought I might need a break. I was VERY reluctant. Being the control paranoid freak that I am...I was convinced that Avalon would shriek and be miserable in my absence. I quickly ran to the parents' lounge and fired off an update email...then ran back. Hmmm, imagine my shock when Avalon could have cared less that I came back? When I left again to take a shower (which the nurses had teased me I desperately needed...) Avalon never even bothered to say goodbye. In fact, when she refused to acknowledge my existence after my shower...I finally took the hint. I left these two to play while I went back to the computer for some sanity time. Katie's beautiful smile had put me at ease the first minute I met her. Apparantly, she had a similar mesmerizing affect on Avalon. She plays, talks, and completely engages Avalon...who is head over heels in love with her. We've been lucky enough to see Katie a few more times...and Avalon definitely knows her and squeals when she sees her. I wish Katie a bright and wonderful future. She's got a heart and spirit that will take her far in life. |
| What you doin', Liz? Liz has the distinction of being the first person whose name Avalon really started to say. Not to mention, she's one of the few that Avalon says correctly! Avalon knew who to learn to call - Liz spoils her rotten. You can tell by Avalon's face that she thoroughly enjoys spending time with Liz. They are deep in conversation here... Liz is like many of the other PCA's and is aiming toward nursing school. She'll be an outstanding nurse. She's funny and warm, like someone you've known forever. She has an easy, hearty laugh paired with an impish grin. She is utterly devoted to these kids, and has a personal work ethic that would shame most of the planet. If Liz does it, its done perfectly - every time. I love spending time with Liz too. She makes me laugh, very often at my own silliness. Liz was my saving grace at tax time. She made copies of documents for me when I couldn't leave the room, and offered to bring me anything I needed. More importantly, she had the humor and good nature to tease me mercilessly about my procrastination and lack of organization. She treats you like an old friend, and makes going to an awful place more like going home than going to the hospital. Any hospital, any floor, any patient will be blessed to have her as their nurse. We love her! |
| Brooke Brooke is a Heme-One floor nurse that I still need a picture of. We first met Brooke when she was following Christy as a trainee. Avalon has the honor of being Brooke's first port access. I believe Brooke has the most cheerful disposition and countenance of anyone I've ever met. She seriously smiles with every ounce of her being, all the time. No matter how depressing the day, or difficult the procedure, Brooke can manage to make you feel at ease and comforted with her beautiful smile. Brooke was our nurse the night of Avalon's birthday when we were admitted through Emergency. She hand made a card that night and had the entire floor sign it. She then rounded up a gift, and quietly left them both by the bed for us to find when we woke up. It was one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for us. Her thoughtfulness helped pull me back from the darkness I was headed toward. She embodies what I keep telling you about the Heme-Onc unit. They are a spectacular group of people, who have such giving hearts, that its impossible to ever do them justice. We count ourselves lucky to have been able to be a part of Brooke's welcome to the world of nursing. She has such an enormous heart and friendly nature, she will bless children for years to come. Her smile, alone, could light a room. We're all the better for having been touched by it. |
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Our Angels:
Avalon's Army of Angels