Why I Chose Nursing I still remember lying on the hospital bed, exhausted after more than 24 hours of labor, scared out of my mind, and completely alone. My husband was deployed in Afghanistan, and my parents were disappointed in me for becoming a mother at 16. I had no one to advocate for me or ensure I understood what was happening. When my daughter suddenly went into distress, the nurses rushed me into an emergency C-section. I barely had time to process what was going on before I was wheeled into surgery. No one asked if I had questions. No one reassured me. I was just expected to follow orders. After surgery, I was in pain and struggling to care for my newborn. I didn’t know how to move safely with my incision or what signs to watch for in case of complications. But instead of guidance, all I got from the nurses was judgment. They looked at me like I was just another reckless teenage mom, not a patient who needed care. I remember thinking, Is this just how hospitals are? Is this what all patients go through? Years later, when I had my second child in a different hospital, I finally had something to compare it to. This time, the nurses took the time to explain my care, make sure I was comfortable, and treat me like a person instead of a problem. For the first time, I understood what nursing was supposed to be. And that’s when I realized how much they had failed me the first time. That realization was my turning point. I became a nurse because I never wanted another patient to feel the way I did during my first birth experience. I don’t want someone to be ignored, dismissed, or treated like an inconvenience when they are most vulnerable. Maybe I can’t change the entire healthcare system, but I can make sure that every patient I care for feels heard, respected, and supported. As a Neuro ICU nurse, I see patients at some of the most critical points in their lives. Many cannot speak for themselves, and their families feel helpless and scared. I know what that fear feels like, and I do everything I can to make sure my patients and their families are informed and reassured. Nursing, for me, isn’t just about following protocols and administering treatments; it’s about listening, explaining, and caring when it feels like no one else does. However, I also see the gaps in healthcare, especially for patients who don’t have the resources or support to navigate their care. I’ve seen too many patients leave the hospital without genuinely understanding their diagnosis or treatment plan, and that’s not okay. That’s why I want to become a Nurse Practitioner, to take a more active role in patient education and advocacy. My goal is to bridge the gap between medical care and patient understanding, ensuring that people aren’t just treated and feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a nurse, but life showed me exactly why I needed to be one. Nursing is more than a career to me; it’s a way to ensure no patient feels the way I once did. If I can make even one person feel heard and cared for when they need it most, then I know I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Balancing work and caregiving has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. As a mother, a full-time nurse, and a student, I have had to juggle multiple responsibilities while ensuring that my family and patients receive the care they deserve. This experience has shaped not only my personal growth but also my career goals, reinforcing my commitment to patient advocacy, healthcare accessibility, and creating a better work-life balance for future healthcare providers. One of the most challenging periods in my life was when my youngest son spent 31 days in the NICU. During that time, I felt utterly overwhelmed navigating his medical needs, advocating for his care, and learning how to manage my own emotions while also taking care of my other children. This experience pushed me into a caregiving role beyond motherhood, where I had to educate myself on medical conditions, treatment options, and how to support my child best. The stress and exhaustion were immense, but it was also the moment when I truly realized the power of compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. That experience directly influenced my decision to pursue a career in nursing. I wanted to be the kind of provider who makes patients and their families feel supported, informed, and respected, something I did not always receive during my own medical experiences. However, working as a Neuro ICU nurse while raising a family has come with its own set of challenges. Long shifts, emotional exhaustion, and the constant pressure of patient care have often made it difficult to find time for myself and my children. There have been nights when I have come home completely drained, feeling like I had nothing left to give. Yet, through all of it, my passion for healthcare has remained strong. These experiences have also influenced my decision to continue my education to become a Nurse Practitioner. As much as I love being a bedside nurse, the physical and emotional demands have shown me the importance of finding a sustainable balance between work and caregiving. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner will allow me to continue providing high-quality patient care while also having more control over my schedule, ensuring that I can be present for my family without sacrificing my career goals. Beyond my struggles, I have seen how workplace conditions in healthcare often fail to support caregivers, whether it’s nurses working back-to-back shifts or parents having to choose between financial stability and spending time with their children. My goal is to advocate for a healthcare system that values both patients and the well-being of its providers. Balancing work and caregiving has been incredibly difficult, but it has also made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to create positive change in healthcare. I want to ensure that both patients and caregivers receive the support they need because no one should have to choose between caring for their loved ones and pursuing their career.

As a Neuro ICU nurse, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of glioblastoma, an aggressive and unforgiving brain cancer. One patient left a lasting mark on me. He was young, preparing to go home, and by all appearances, he felt fine. But something didn’t sit right with me. I couldn’t pinpoint it exactly, but I knew in my gut that he wasn’t well enough to leave. After pushing him to stay overnight, the provider agreed. Within a few hours, his condition rapidly declined, and he had to be emergently intubated. He never recovered. The moment that haunts me the most is when I looked into his eyes and asked if he was okay. His response was, "I feel fine, but everyone keeps asking me that, so I guess I’m not." It was a heartbreaking realization, his body was failing, yet he still felt like himself. That experience changed the way I view glioblastoma and deepened my commitment to advocating for patients with this disease. Since that moment, I have become more aware of the silent devastation glioblastoma brings. Unlike other cancers, there are often no warning signs until it is too late. Every glioblastoma case I have encountered since has been equally tragic, and it has reinforced my drive to raise awareness, educate patients and families, and advocate for better research and treatment options. While working in Neuro ICU, I have made it a priority to advocate for patients and their families navigating brain cancer diagnoses. I take the time to educate loved ones, explain what to expect, and ensure they feel supported during such an overwhelming time. I have also worked with new nurses and medical staff to emphasize the importance of listening to their intuition—because sometimes, gut feelings can make all the difference in a patient’s outcome. Beyond my role in the hospital, I use my platform to raise awareness about glioblastoma and its impact. Whether through discussions with colleagues, supporting families in my care, or continuing to educate myself about the latest research, I am committed to ensuring this disease is not overlooked. Seeing families lose loved ones so suddenly has fueled my passion to push for advancements in early detection and patient advocacy. This scholarship will help me take my advocacy even further. I am continuing my education to become a Nurse Practitioner, where I can play a larger role in educating patients, supporting early intervention, and contributing to advancements in neuro-oncology care. My goal is to bridge the gap between diagnosis and patient understanding, ensuring that no family feels lost or unsupported in the face of this disease. I envision using my education and skills to partner with organizations focused on brain cancer research and awareness, working to implement better patient education programs and pushing for more accessible treatments. I also want to mentor future nurses, ensuring that they approach glioblastoma cases with the same level of compassion and attentiveness that I have learned through my experiences. Glioblastoma has left a deep mark on my career and personal life. While I cannot change the outcome for the patients I have lost, I can continue to fight for those who are still battling this disease. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to making a lasting impact, not just in individual patient care, but in the larger fight against brain cancer.

My decision to pursue a degree in healthcare was shaped by personal experiences that exposed the medical field's best and worst. Unlike many who compassionate and skilled healthcare providers inspire, my motivation came from the lack of care and respect I received during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. At sixteen, I gave birth to my daughter while my husband was deployed in Afghanistan. I was young, scared, and alone. My labor lasted for 24 hours before my baby went into distress, requiring an emergency C-section. The nurses never explained what was happening to me. They spoke at me rather than to me, telling me what to do instead of ensuring I understood my choices. After my daughter was born, I struggled to care for her while recovering from surgery, yet no one offered help. I was judged instead of supported. That experience left a lasting mark on me. No patient should ever feel ignored, disrespected, or less than human, regardless of background, age, or circumstances. That moment shaped my decision to become a nurse and be the advocate I never had. Now, as a Neuro ICU nurse, I have committed to providing the level of care I once needed. I have seen firsthand how compassion, patience, and education can change a patient’s experience. However, I also see the glaring issues in our healthcare system, particularly in underserved communities. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, I witnessed how financial struggles, lack of resources, and cultural stigmas prevented many from receiving quality medical care. After working in both well-funded hospitals in Washington, D.C. and for-profit hospitals in El Paso, I have seen the stark differences in healthcare accessibility. In some hospitals, every patient receives top—tier care regardless of their background. In others, profit comes before patients and medical staff are overworked, underpaid, and unable to provide the care they wish they could. This is why I am pursuing my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. I want to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and the often neglected communities. I want to educate patients, advocate for ethical healthcare practices, and ensure that no one feels overlooked as I once did. As a woman in healthcare, I want to be a voice for those who are often dismissed, particularly women, young mothers, and minority patients who are frequently ignored or not taken seriously. Women in medicine bring empathy, advocacy, and resilience to a system that desperately needs reform. I want to use my position to mentor future healthcare professionals, support my fellow nurses, and be the kind of provider who truly listens. This degree is more than just a career step—it is a mission. I want to prove that healthcare should be about people, not profits. With my education and experience, I hope to make a lasting impact and ensure that every patient receives the dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Turning Challenges into Purpose My journey has been anything but easy, but I have never let my circumstances define me. As a first-generation Mexican-American and a former teen mom, I had to grow up fast and learn how to navigate life on my own. Balancing full-time work, school, and motherhood was exhausting, but I knew that education was the key to creating a better future for my children. I started as a medical assistant, thinking it would be a stable career. But when my youngest child spent 31 days in the NICU, everything changed. Watching nurses care for my baby and guide me through that terrifying time showed me what true compassion and dedication look like. That experience pushed me to pursue nursing, and now as a Neuro ICU nurse, I see the real impact healthcare professionals have on patients and families. Beyond my career, I care deeply about my community. I have seen firsthand how people struggle to access healthcare because of financial barriers or lack of knowledge. I want to change that by becoming a Nurse Practitioner, where I can advocate for better care, educate patients, and be the kind of provider who truly listens. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my education without the constant stress of finances. It would bring me one step closer to my goal of giving back to the community that shaped me. More than anything, it would be proof that no matter where you start in life, you can always build something better. I have faced challenges, but I have never let them stop me. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue pushing forward—not just for myself, but for my children, my patients, and my community.

I come from a Hispanic family rooted in hard work, resilience, and deep cultural pride. Being raised in a household where family comes first shaped how I see the world, handle challenges, and approach my career in healthcare. My parents, especially my mother, taught me that nothing in life is given. You must earn it. As a first-generation American, I grew up watching my family work tirelessly to build a better life, overcoming language barriers, financial struggles, and societal obstacles. Their sacrifices taught me perseverance, gratitude, and giving back. One of the most significant ways my Hispanic background has influenced me is through the value of community. In Hispanic culture, we don't just take care of ourselves. We take care of each other. Whether looking out for a neighbor, supporting family members through tough times, or showing up for those in need, that sense of responsibility is ingrained in me. It's why I chose nursing as my career: to serve, advocate, and be a source of support for others, especially in underserved communities like my own. Growing up, I also saw firsthand the healthcare disparities that exist within Hispanic communities. Many of my relatives struggled to get proper medical care, either because of a lack of insurance, financial burdens, or fear of seeking help due to their immigration status. I remember translating for family members at doctor's appointments, frustrated that they couldn't fully understand their diagnoses or treatment options. No one should have to struggle for quality healthcare, yet I saw it happen all the time. That experience fueled my passion to become a nurse practitioner to help bridge that gap by providing care, education, and resources to those who need them most. My Hispanic background has also shaped my work ethic and determination. I became a teen mom, and many people assumed that would define my future. But I refused to accept that. As my parents fought for their future, I fought for mine, working as a medical assistant, attending nursing school, and advancing my career as a Neuro ICU nurse. My story breaks barriers and proves that circumstances do not define you. Being Hispanic means carrying my ancestors' strength, love, and traditions while pushing forward to create opportunities for the next generation. It means embracing challenges with determination, lifting others, and never forgetting where I come from. My background doesn't just shape how I see the world; it drives everything I do.

My path to becoming a nurse wasn't straight. My path was filled with challenges, moments of doubt, and a deep desire to build a better future for myself and my children. I started my healthcare journey as a medical assistant, working in a busy family practice. At the time, I saw it as a stable job that could provide for my family. I was a young mom, balancing work and raising my kids, just trying to keep everything together. However, the more time I spent with patients, the more I realized how much I loved being part of their care. I asked questions, wanted to understand more, and felt a deeper connection to the medical field than I expected. Then came my "aha" moment:" I knew I had to become a nurse. My youngest child was born early and spent 31 days in the NICU. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. I felt helpless, watching my baby connected to wires and monitors, utterly dependent on the medical team. But the nurses made the difference in the middle of all that fear. They not only took care of my child, but they took care of me, explaining, reassuring, and ensuring I didn't feel alone. Their compassion and expertise turned my fear into trust, and that's when it hit me: I wanted to be like them. That experience changed everything for me. I knew I had to push myself further, so I went back to school for nursing, all while working full-time and raising three kids. It wasn't easy. There were nights when I came home exhausted from work, only to stay up studying for exams. There were moments of doubt when I questioned if I could handle it all. But every time I felt overwhelmed, I thought about those NICU nurses and how much they had helped me. I reminded myself I would someday provide others with that same care and comfort. Now, I'm a Neuro ICU nurse, caring for critically ill patients and supporting families in their most challenging moments. But my journey isn't over. I want to become a Nurse Practitioner to expand my role in educating, advocating, and providing care to those who need it most. After working in both well-funded hospitals and underserved communities, I've seen the vast disparities in healthcare, and I know I can help bridge that gap. Returning to school was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was also the best decision of my life. Nursing isn't just my career; it's my purpose. That's why I keep pushing forward, and with the support of this scholarship, I can continue making a difference.

Nursing isn't just a career for me; it's personal. My journey started as a medical assistant in a busy family practice, where I quickly realized how much I loved patient care. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment, but it wasn't until I faced my challenges that I truly understood nurses' impact on patients and their families. The moment that changed everything for me was my youngest child's 31-day stay in the NICU. It was the most terrifying time of my life watching my fragile baby surrounded by monitors, unsure of what each alarm or reading meant. I felt helpless, overwhelmed with fear, and entirely at the mercy of the medical team. But in the middle of all that uncertainty, the nurses became my lifeline. They didn't just care for my child but also me. They answered my never-ending questions, reassured me when I fell apart, and ensured I never felt alone. Their kindness and expertise turned a terrifying situation into one filled with hope. That experience made me realize I wanted to be that person for someone else. After that, I became a nurse, balancing full-time work and raising three kids while attending school. There were long nights, exhausting shifts, and moments when I doubted myself, but I kept pushing forward. I knew that nursing wasn't just about medical treatment. It was about advocating for patients, guiding them through their healthcare struggles, and ensuring they felt seen and heard. As a Neuro ICU nurse, I see firsthand the difference nursing makes. My patients are often in critical condition, and their families are desperate for reassurance. I do everything possible to provide the best medical care, comfort, and support during their most vulnerable moments. I work alongside an incredible team of doctors, respiratory therapists, and social workers to ensure each patient gets the comprehensive care they need. I know my journey isn't over. I want to become a Nurse Practitioner to expand my role in patient care, focusing on education, prevention, and bridging healthcare gaps in my community. I've seen too many people struggle to get basic medical care, and I refuse to accept that as the norm. Nursing has given me purpose. It has taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of human connection. I've been on both sides, first as the scared parent in the NICU and now as the nurse providing care. Every single day, that reminder fuels my passion and pushes me forward.

My mother has always been my most outstanding example of resilience. She showed me what it means to push forward, no matter how difficult life becomes. Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly to provide for our family, sacrificing her own needs to ensure we had better opportunities. As a first-generation American, she faced struggles I didn’t fully understand at the time: language barriers, financial hardships, and the pressure of building a life in a country where she wasn’t born. Yet, she never allowed those challenges to define her. Instead, she confronted them head-on, proving that hard work and perseverance can change the course of a family’s future. Her strength became even more apparent when I became a teen mom. Many people doubted I would succeed, assuming my future had already been written. My mother never saw me as a lost cause. Instead, she reminded me that I had the power to shape my own story, just as she had done for herself. She was there through every late-night study session, every tear-filled moment of exhaustion, and every time I felt like giving up. When I worked as a medical assistant to support my children and put myself through school, she stepped in to help me balance work, life, and motherhood. She never let me forget that I was capable of more. Now, as a Neuro ICU nurse, I carry my mother’s lessons daily. She taught me to be strong but also instilled in me the importance of compassion and seeing people for more than just their struggles. That mindset has shaped how I care for my patients and fueled my passion to become a Nurse Practitioner. I’ve witnessed firsthand how limited access to healthcare affects families in El Paso, and I refuse to accept that as the norm. I want to be part of the solution, advocating for patients who don’t always have a voice. Receiving this scholarship would be another stepping stone toward that goal. It would allow me to continue my education and expand my impact on my community. I aspire to use my degree to provide quality healthcare, educate patients, and empower families, especially those who feel unheard of or overlooked. Just as my mother fought to give me a better life, I want to use my career to offer others a healthier future. Her strength built the foundation for my success. I am ready to build on that foundation and create lasting change for my family, community, and future generations.

Living with ADHD, autistic traits, and anxiety presents challenges in both school and everyday life, but it has also made me stronger. My mind often jumps from one thought to another, making it difficult to focus, stay organized, or sit still for extended study sessions. Anxiety leads me to overthink everything, sometimes causing procrastination because I fear I won't do things perfectly. Additionally, sensory overload from bright lights, loud noises, or excessive social interaction can make concentrating or feeling at ease in specific environments challenging. Balancing school, work, and family on top of these issues is not easy. Some days, it feels like I have to work twice as hard to keep up. Deadlines can be overwhelming, and I often question whether I'm doing enough. However, through trial and error, I have discovered effective ways to manage my mental health and set myself up for success. How I Take Care of My Mental Health 1. I stick to routines. Having a structured schedule helps me avoid feeling lost. I set reminders, break large tasks into smaller steps, and establish clear daily goals. 2. I study in a way that works for me. Instead of long reading sessions, I utilize hands-on learning, flashcards, and summarizing information out loud. Keeping my study sessions interactive helps maintain my focus. 3. I listen to my body and mind. When I feel anxious or overstimulated, I step away, whether taking a walk, listening to music, or sitting quietly for a few minutes. 4. I remind myself that progress matters more than perfection. It's easy to be hard on myself, but I've learned to celebrate small wins instead of fixating on what I didn't achieve. Mental health struggles impact not only my academics but also my personal life. Social interactions can be exhausting, and I sometimes feel like I don't quite fit in. As a parent, I must also consider how my stress affects my children. I want to be present for them, not consumed by anxiety or burnout. Therefore, I have learned to set boundaries, take breaks, and practice self-compassion when unplanned. Despite these challenges, my mental health struggles have cultivated my compassion. They have enhanced my understanding of what it feels like to be overwhelmed, unheard, or struggling, which I now recognize in my patients, classmates, and even my kids. I aim to use my experiences to help others by providing care, offering encouragement, or simply reminding people they are not alone. I acknowledge that my mind works differently, and that's perfectly okay. It doesn't make me any less capable. If anything, it's made me more determined to succeed, not just for myself but also for my family and the community I aspire to serve.

My journey into the medical field wasn’t planned—it was something I grew into through experience, hardship, and a deep desire to help others. Becoming a teen mom changed my life in ways I never expected. It forced me to grow up quickly, work hard, and push through challenges many thought would hold me back. But instead of letting my circumstances define me, I used them as motivation to build a future for my children. I started in healthcare as a medical assistant, working long hours while raising my family. At first, it was just a job—something stable that would provide for my kids. However, the more time I spent with patients, the more I realized how much I loved being someone they could rely on in difficult moments. Whether it was calming their fears, explaining their care, or being compassionate, I saw firsthand how small acts of kindness could make a huge impact. Then, when my youngest spent 31 days in the NICU, I truly understood the power of healthcare. The nurses who cared for my baby also cared for me. Their knowledge, patience, and reassurance helped me through one of the most challenging times of my life. That was the moment I knew—this was what I was meant to do. I pushed myself to go further, balancing nursing school, work, and motherhood because I knew this career was more than a paycheck. It was my purpose. Becoming a nurse in the Neuro ICU showed me how critical healthcare is, but it also opened my eyes to the inequalities in our system. Working in a well-funded hospital in D.C. gave me a glimpse of what healthcare should look like. Moving back home to El Paso, I was shocked by the lack of resources, the struggles patients faced to get basic care, and how financial barriers determined the quality of treatment people received. No one should suffer just because they don’t have the right insurance or enough money to pay out of pocket. That’s why I am becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I want to be a voice for my community, ensuring that healthcare is accessible, compassionate, and focused on what truly matters—people. I want to educate patients, advocate for those who feel unheard, and provide high-quality care to those who often get overlooked. Whether offering preventative care, helping families understand their health, or treating patients with dignity, I plan to make a difference. For me, this career is personal. It’s about proving that no obstacle—not being a young mom, not working full-time while in school, not coming from wealth—can stop someone from achieving their dreams. More importantly, it’s about using my experience to give others the care, knowledge, and hope they deserve.

Healthcare has always been more than a job to me—it’s my purpose. My journey started as a medical assistant, working hard to provide for my family, but it quickly became something more profound. I realized how much I loved being there for people during their most vulnerable moments, offering medical care, comfort, and reassurance. But it wasn’t until my youngest spent 31 days in the NICU that I truly understood the impact of excellent healthcare. The nurses and doctors who took care of my baby also took care of me, guiding me through one of the most challenging times of my life. That experience changed me. I knew I wanted to be that person for others. I worked as a medical assistant for four years before pushing myself further and becoming a nurse. Balancing nursing school, a full-time job, and raising three kids was not easy, but I refused to give up. I wanted my children to see that no dream is out of reach, no matter the obstacles. During COVID, when the world was uncertain, I studied, worked, and proved to myself that I was meant to be in this field. Now, as a Neuro ICU nurse, I see our healthcare system's power and shortcomings. I worked in a well-funded D.C. hospital before moving back home to El Paso, and the differences in healthcare quality were shocking. In D.C., patients had access to everything they needed. Here, I see people struggle to get even the most basic care. It’s frustrating because healthcare should not be based on where you live or how much money you make. Everyone deserves the same chance at a healthy life. That’s why I’m becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I want to do more than treat patients—I want to educate, advocate, and provide care to often overlooked people. I want to ensure that my community's families get the healthcare they deserve, regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. Too many people go without care because they don’t have options, and I want to change that. This degree is not just about advancing my career; it’s about making a real difference. I want my children to grow up knowing that hard work and determination can break any barrier. I want my patients to know that someone is fighting for them. And I want my community to see that they are not forgotten. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is the next step in my journey—but my mission to provide equal and compassionate healthcare will never stop.

When I became a mother as a teenager, I knew my life would be different. Many people expected me to struggle, settle, and put my dreams aside. But I refused to let my circumstances define me. Instead, my children became my greatest motivation. I wanted to build a life that showed them nothing is unattainable if they are willing to work for it. Raising a family while pursuing a healthcare career has been one of my life's most challenging and rewarding experiences. My healthcare journey started with a desire to help others, but it became personal when my youngest child spent 31 days in the NICU. Watching the nurses and medical staff care for him, answering my endless questions, and guiding me through such a terrifying time made me realize the true impact of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that world—to provide care and reassure, educate, and support others going through difficult moments. I started as a medical assistant, working hard to gain experience while balancing my full-time mom responsibilities. Those years taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of patient-centered care. But I wanted to do more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I enrolled in nursing school while raising three children and working. It was exhausting, but every long shift, late-night study session, and sacrifice was worth it because I was building a future for my family and community. Now, as a Neuro ICU nurse, I see firsthand the difference healthcare workers make in people's lives. But I also see the gaps—patients struggling to access care, families not understanding their health conditions, and a system that often prioritizes profit over people. That's why I'm committed to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I want to provide quality, accessible healthcare and education to those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind because of their income, immigration status, or where they live. Raising a family while pursuing a healthcare career has never been easy, but it has shaped me into the person I am today—strong, determined, and compassionate. My children have watched me push through every challenge, and I hope my journey teaches them that no obstacle is too big to overcome. Healthcare is more than just a profession for me; it's my way of giving back, of making sure others receive the care and kindness that once made all the difference in my life.