I am writing to nominate my aunt Pam as a hero for this month’s KISS A Hero competition. My aunt is a hero to myself and our community as a loving member of my family and in her role as a trauma nurse for more than thirty years. Right out of high school, my aunt began pursuing her education in nursing and began her career with St. Joseph’s Hospital. She has certifications and lengthy experience in cardiac care, emergency, trauma nursing and triage. While working a full work schedule, she also earned an advanced degree in nursing. Regardless of any education, my aunt Pam interacts with people who are often terrified, confused and overwhelmed having some of the worst days of their lives. She guides them with kindness and compassion through years of experience in all kinds of situations. She’s professional and nurturing, providing piece of mind to people she’s never met and their families. She offers advice and answers to questions a patient might not even know to ask. She follows’ up to ensure the patient receives any ongoing treatments he/she may need. She loves her job and is always working to make patient’s lives better. As my aunt, she is an amazing person. She’s always there for me when I need her, medically or not, and is the kind of person I know is always looking out for me. Despite her exhausting work schedule, she’s there at birthday parties, school events for my niece and my own children, and is always up for going to the movies. Even though I don’t see her as much as I would like, just talking with her on the phone is comforting and she gives great hugs! She’s an inspiration both as a family member and as a part of our medical community, and to me, she will always be a hero worth celebrating. (Picture is with myself in purple with niece Jayden, my daughter Piper, and my two aunts. Aunt Pam is in blue on the right.)

Signed,
Anadee Flint