National Nurses Week (May 6 – May 12) is an annual opportunity to reflect on the commitment and care provided by the people who serve tirelessly to bring healing and wellness to patients in settings ranging from home visits to hospital emergency departments. One of those outstanding nurses is Nayre Kennedy, who has been at UConn Health for nearly 20 years, working her way up from staff nurse to an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Most of that time she’s cared for patients in the New England Sickle Cell Institute who feel – because of her kindness and compassion – that she’s become a part of their family.