National Nurse Day - A Personal Message From Ryan
Today is National Nurse Day and this year, it’s a big one. Nurses across the world have been working tirelessly to help us all- whether that be giving vaccinations, helping those sick with COVID-19 and all the other illnesses that affect us. We need to show our gratitude for these amazing people.
Over the last decade, I’ve been fighting cancer and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the nurses. Picture this: you’re in extreme pain, you’re nauseous, you’re so tired and you’re super depressed basically confined to a hospital bed. This was what my life has looked like for a really long time. I needed help and with a simple push of a button, a cheerful voice would come on the intercom and asks me “how can I help?” I needed that positivity. I needed to know someone was always going to be there for me. And they always were.
They became my friends, always putting a smile on my face. They became my heroes, always coming to save me from the horrible feelings bringing me down. They supported me when it was time to walk, congratulating me for my progress. They literally saved my life. I remember when I had tubes pumping tar from my lungs down in the ICU of Juravinski hospital. We didn’t even know if I was going to survive. I was crazy but those nurses were always there to support me- not just physically but emotionally. I couldn’t talk but I remember them helping me to write things on the board in front of me, grabbing me things that were too far to reach, trying so hard to make sure I was comfortable.
It wasn’t just me they helped either. Mom was terrified I was going to pass and was so sad. The nurses were there to be her shoulder to cry on, making sure she knew they were always going to be there for her, no matter what the outcome was. As I became stronger and moved up to C4, they all cheered me on. Cheered us on.
The nurses upstairs weren’t any different. They would help me out of bed to get me to the wheelchair when I was too weak to walk. They would bring me whatever snacks they could find when I was trying to gain weight back, helping me to regain my strength. When the physio team would come by, they’d be there to help me get to the walker. They gave me my medications but also helped me get off the ones I didn’t really need. Sometimes, they’d just have a conversation with me, filling that social need I couldn’t always get. They helped me believe in myself, pushing me to take that next step.
So to every nurse out there, thank you. Thank you for getting me through all those battles and making sure every patient had someone. I’m eternally grateful for all the things you did for me and my family. I’m so much better and it’s all because of you.
Happy National Nurse Day!
~Ryan
As a small gesture of gratitude for all of the amazing nurses out there, we are giving a Free Juice or Smoothie to all nurses. Stop in or place your order online. Simply use discount code NURSE at checkout. Thank you for all that you do and all that you have done for our daughter and for us!