MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – This is a tale of two women who share more than just their first names.
Christina Neal was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 26 years old. Seeking a place as close as possible to her home where she could receive life-prolonging treatment, Neal arrived at TopLine MD Health Alliance and the Diagnostic Center for Women in Kendall. It was there where Neal would find a friend in Nurse Cristina Upegui.
"Cristina means the world to me," Neal said. "I know that it was meant for me to meet her."
"I just want to be there for her and let her know, not even as a nurse, but as a friend, as a person, that I am there to support her and help her and go through this and fight for this," Upegui said.
Upegui was by Neal's side when she underwent a left breast mastectomy. She's accompanied Neal to several doctors' appointments, and with help from the office staff, she also paid for Neal to travel to Boston to see a cancer specialist.
"She deserves a lot more than that," a modest Upgegui remarked. "That's the least I can do."
In March 2015, when doctors told Neal her cancer had spread, Upegui held her hand and encouraged her to keep the faith.
"When we first found out, she ordered me a book about faith called 'Jesus Is Calling' to lift me up," Neal said.
Because of Upegui's unconditional support, when Neal saw a call to entry spot on Local 10 asking viewers to nominate a deserving nurse, she didn't hesitate to submit Upegui.
"Christina means a lot to me," Upegui said. "I learned so much from her, and it means so much that she has time to write this and go out of her way to recognize something that's what I do and part of my job."
As Neal faces the many challenges ahead, she's confident her faith and friend will get her through.
"I am going to look at the positive," Neal said. "I know that I am going to be healed, but it's not just yet."
For going above and beyond and making a difference in Neal's life and the lives of all her patients, Upegui is the Local 10 Tribute to Nurses honoree.
Kelly Moncayo returns to nursing after beating breast cancer
Kelly Moncayo is a dedicated nurse and breast cancer survivor.
After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, Moncayo returned to nursing in the pediatrics wing at Plantation General Hospital and continued her studies to become a nurse practitioner.
Moncayo was diagnosed in 2014, and her then-fiancée, Nick, was by her side every step of the way. The two were married March 14, 2015.
Jami Bosse divides time between family, volunteering for those in need
Jami Bosse works in the maternity unit at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale.
Bosse is a married mother of three young children who loves life, her family and her job. As busy as she is with her work and family, she still makes time to volunteer for March of Dimes and many other local charities.
She treats all patients with respect, compassion and kindness. One example is a blind patient who had been in her hospital for weeks.
Bosse approached his bedside and would place her hand on his forehead so he could feel her gentle hand on his head and know she was with him. As she left his bedside, the patient would reach out for her arm, smile and whisper, "Thank you. Thank you."
Congratulations to Upgegui and all the Tribute to Nurses finalists.