While visiting patients at a children's hospital last week, a little boy asked who my favorite nurse was during my own hospital stay. It felt a bit like being asked to pick a favorite child, but I shared the story of how one nurse's seemingly simple acts had a mighty impact on my life.

The list of extraordinary caregivers at Mercy who helped me survive burns over my entire body is long—Cissy the brilliant charge nurse, Lisa the fiery floor nurse, Roy the visionary man who helped me walk forward, and Delores the lovely CNA with a contagious laugh. But the one I told that boy about last week was Sue Rodrigues. Let me explain.