“Over the past 20 years in healthcare, I have witnessed many heartbreaking stories that have profoundly impacted me. I’ve seen the tragic consequences of nurses’ suicides, enduring workplace violence, and executives prioritizing bonuses over essential care. Yet, the most devastating experience of all was losing a patient—a neighbor and dear friend.
My friend, Candace, wrote a powerful book titled Locked Out: Elder Neglect and the Keys to Change. Her story struck particularly close to home because I lost my own grandfather to neglect in a nursing home. After suffering a stroke in 2015, he visited Christiana Care eleven times within a year. Each time, we were told there was “no stroke,” and my grandmother was convinced he was simply abusing alcohol. It wasn’t until I insisted on an MRA that we learned he had indeed suffered a stroke.
He was subsequently admitted to the hospital, then discharged to a nursing home for rehabilitation, where he tragically contracted C. diff, ultimately leading to his death. These experiences have fueled my commitment to nursing—not just as a profession, but as a calling grounded in ethics and advocacy. I am eager to bring my passion and dedication to this coalition, aiming to ensure that no one else endures the heartbreak I have faced. Thank you for considering my application; I hope to contribute positively to our shared mission.”