| Hello Laura! Laura is a Heme-Onc floor nurse. We've had her as Avalon's nurse several times on night shift. Laura is one of the super-hero, super-moms of the Heme-Onc floor. She balances a family life along side the hefty commitment of being a Heme-Onc nurse. Laura is quiet, and kind. She is the master of breezing in and out with stealth at night, letting you snore in peace. She is an absolute perfectionist in her nursing. You know you are in the best hands whether you're graced with her as your nurse, or whether she's a charge nurse that shift. The bonus is, Laura is as sweet as she is skilled. She smiles easily and speaks softly, and is a calming, reassuring presence to the families in her care. Somehow, I always sleep well the nights she's our nurse. I thank her profusely for that! |
| Meet Natalie, another Heme-Onc floor nurse. Natalie has a heart as big as her commitment to keep these kids healthy. Strangely enough, Natalie is special to me because of painful procedures she's had to do to Avalon. When Avalon required a catheter one night, Natalie was recruited to do it, because Avalon's regular nurse didn't feel she had enough experience with catheterizing such a small patient. Natalie handled Avalon with the care and |
| respect you would expect for an adult, something often overlooked when people deal with small children. I appreciated Natalie's concern for Avalon's pain as well as her willingness to help out our nurse. I respect her attention to detail and the bright smile she flashes a child to reassure them that the owie is nearly over. Natalie surprised me a few times by the details she remembered about Avalon, even though we've rarely had her as our nurse. She's yet another woman I'm completely in awe of, and I hope the other parents appreciate her as much as I do. |
| Ryan Ryan is a PCA in the Heme-Onc outpatient clinic. Ryan is a handsome, affable young man with a heart of gold that he wears firmly planted on his sleeve. The children absolutely adore him! When Avalon was a new patient and terrified of everyone, Ryan made it his mission to befriend her. Ryan would approach Avalon from a squatting position to make himself seem more accessible. He would offer to share toys with her, or play with her in the spare minutes he could squeak out between patients. He devoted himself to winning her over...and he did, whole-heartedly. Avalon never ceases to look for him or ask about him during clinic visits. I've seen Ryan play peek-a-boo with a 3 year old boy, treat a young girl like a princess, and joke with a teenager all in the same hour. He knows each child, and greets them all like long lost friends. He is never at a loss for a smile, and never fails to illicit them from his patients. Ryan is a true hero in my book. He sees each child for the extraordinary creatures that they are. Best of all, he has the unique ability to share his inner child with them. I hope he knows how much the children love him. |
| Jackie Jackie is one of the Heme-Onc clinic nurses. Avalon claims her as her own. Jackie works in the infusion room. She accesses children, draws blood, administers chemo and medications, and I'm sure does 101 other things that I have no clue about. We've known Jackie for months now, she's like an old family friend. Jackie has a daughter very close in age to Avalon, so she's taken Avalon to heart. I love that Jackie will sometimes volunteer to do Avalon's procedures so she can "protect" her as much as she can. I love her more for occasionally bowing out of a procedure because she doesn't want to be the one responsible for hurting Avalon that day. A few weeks ago, as Jackie walked through the waiting room, Avalon said "Owie" and began to cry. Jackie was crushed. She asked other nurses to change Avalon's dressing that day, because it broke her heart that Avalon was afraid of her. Mind you, she never strayed far...I have the distinct feeling that she was watching over Avalon to make sure things were done to her satisfaction! Jackie grins from ear to ear, and speaks with each family as if they're close, personal friends. I look forward to her personal greetings each visit. She makes it all easier, and I appreciate her for that. She's a breath of fresh air, and a hug from a friend. |
| Chrissy I'm utterly irritated with my camera for losing the beautiful smiles from our dear Chrissy. Chrissy is a Heme-Onc floor nurse, and another one of Avalon's absolute favorites. I often tease Chrissy about her little sister qualities. As the youngest member of a large family, she has a lot to live up to, and way too many siblings to keep track of! I love the fact that I can tease her. Chrissy seems more like a part of your family, than just a nurse. She's got such a joyful laugh, my spirits are guaranteed to lift every time she walks in the door. Chrissy is wise beyond her years, and blessed with a quiet patience and kindness. I've seen her gently lead a new nurse through a nerve-wracking procedure, all while calmly reassuring the child. Its a rare nurse who can lead, teach, follow and support - all in an instant of time. Avalon trusted her immediately, and that says volumes. Chrissy is one of the nurses Avalon actively seeks out. Avalon has remembered Chrissy for months, and treats her with the same excitement or orneriness, that she does old family friends. Its easy to see why the kids love her so much. Her smile is utterly charming, and her hugs are a genuine as they come. When Chrissy says she'll miss you, she means it. I respect Chrissy's amazing medical skills and teaching ability. But I love Chrissy's smile! |
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Our Angels:
Avalon's Army of Angels