A critical care nurse. The top of one of the most noble professions.
We grieve one of our own. And the lives of all the future patients he can no longer help. May he rest in peace.

Male, who is sole provider, comes in with appendicitis. Doesn't want surgery because can't miss work. His son convinces him to take care of himself. In private, he shares he is afraid of surgery and cries. He didnt want his son to see his fear.
But to be scared and continue anyway, that is bravery.

Older female, just diagnosed with concurrent cancer of ovary and pancreas. Now her right leg is dying. We offered her amputation but she wants to go home and die with family. She told me she thought she was strong but shes scared. I told her she is the bravest person in the hospital right now.

Young female comes to ER with severe gallbladder pain. Missed her clinic appt because her son finally got a psychologist appt. Needed formal austism diagnosis to get extra support at school. Despite delaying her care, she has no regrets because her son is doing better in school now.

Mid 40s female came in with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Imaging shows extensive cancer in her abdomen. She already knows. She is undocumented and is here to work and send money home to her family. She knows she will die because she can't afford treatment without insurance. She may die alone.