This episode was the very first Pep Talks story recorded nearly five years ago and was originally shared only with our internal team members. As we look back on the heart of this podcast—stories of connection, compassion, and intentional care—we felt it was time to share Michelle’s story more broadly. Her experience reminds us that the fundamentals of patient experience never change: listening, presence, kindness, and hope. These are as important now as they were then, and her story continues to reflect the promise we strive to live every day.