CHRISTINE IVANICKI, CCRN . - MY HERO Christine Iwanicki I just want you to know how I feel about you - After battling for your patients over forty years at Coney Island Hospital Coronary Care Unit, you have lost your own battle. Rest in eternal peace my friend and Hero. I will miss you so much. I met you on my first day of internship at CIH on July 1, 1992 as a bleary eyed intern in a new country America, in a very very busy Brooklyn Public Hospital with so much dreams of success in the land of opportunity. Also I was fearful as things were different from what I had been taught and trained. You took me under your wing, perhaps because we both had many common traits of caring for patients at all times. You were a teacher, nurse, friend, protector and above all you truly are my HERO. I learnt so much of cardiology, work ethics, compassion, passion to excel from you but above all just to be there for the patient s when they need you. Over forty years you gave your whole life to being the best nurse that ever was. The first to come into CCU at 600 in the morning and the last to leave at 700 in the evening. No overtime, no hidden agendas just do the right thing for your patients. You were looking forward to your retirement at last in 2019 and perhaps some sun and reflection down in Florida. It pains me that God has not been very kind but they say he does test the best. When I left CIH on December 15th 2009, one of the saddest thing about leaving was that I wont have the pleasure of coming to CCU at 630 and greeting you and getting an update from you about my patients. Do you remember that in my CCU Attending months I will call you on the phone while I am driving from Long Island and you will give me a summary of every patient, the quality and clear narrative which to this date not a single fellow has been able to present like you. Things are only getting worse in America and now here as well. The Coronary Care Unit at Coney Island NYC Health + Hospitals will never ever be the same. From all those thousands of patients you served, the interns, residents, fellows and Attending like me who you taught, worked with and inspired and the bottom of my heart THANK YOU SO MUCH. We owe you SO MUCH. Gold Bless You and I will always remember you with much love , and you have a very special place in my heart. Selva Niranjan