News & Stories
Celebrating the Nurses of ALS United Illinois: A Tribute During National Nurses Week
May 6–12 marks National Nurses Week, culminating on May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday). This week is set aside to recognize and uplift the dedicated nurses who carry forward the best of what nursing represents: compassion, advocacy, and care in the most vulnerable moments of life. At ALS United Illinois, we’re proud to spotlight three incredible nurses whose work exemplifies these values:
- Joumana Fawaz-Baroody, RN, BSN, Vice President of Care Services (since 2010)
- Peggy Merriman, RN, Director of Care Services (since 2015)
- Gema Ramos, RN, Care Services Coordinator (since 2016)
Together, they bring decades of experience, heart, and advocacy to people living with ALS and their families. In honor of Nurses Week, we asked each of them to reflect on their paths, their purpose, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Why Nursing? Why ALS?
For many nurses, the calling is personal. For Gema Ramos, it started with her aunt, a nurse she admired for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and compassion. Early in her career, Gema worked in a Neurosurgical ICU, where she met her first ALS patient: “She couldn’t move her body, but she was mentally present. It tugged at my heartstrings, and I did my best to talk to her and make her comfortable. It was then that ALS patients started having a special place in my heart, so when I got a chance to work with just ALS patients, I took it.”
Peggy Merriman also followed a family tradition of nurses and teachers. “I never gave a thought to another profession,” she says. Her first ALS patient was on a physical rehabilitation unit: “His resilience was inspiring, and I fell in love with neurology in general.”
For Joumana Fawaz-Baroody, the path was less linear. “My path to ALS care began by chance — a job I took after raising my family — but it quickly became my passion.” What fuels her every day? “The resilience of patients, the devotion of their families, and the strength of the ALS community.”
What It Looks Like to Make a Difference
Each nurse shared a story that reflects the heart of ALS care.
For Gema, it was guiding the wife of a newly arrived patient from Japan through an unexpected crisis. She educated the family about hospice, helped them make informed choices, and followed up after the patient passed: “His wife was so grateful to me for all the information I provided. It was a hard experience for her, but after our discussion, she didn’t feel so lost. Providing education, guidance, and resources so that patients and families can make an informed decision and help them navigate their ALS journey is the heart of what I do.”
Peggy says she can’t pick just one experience: “This position allows me to reach out my hand daily to people who start as strangers. They let us into their lives as they travel one of their most difficult journeys, and being able to offer comfort and guidance is the very essence of nursing.”
For Joumana, it was being told by a family member: “You made this feel less terrifying for us.” She reflects, “It was a simple comment, but it captured why I do this work — to bring comfort and connection in the midst of fear and uncertainty.”
Lessons from the People They Serve
The people living with ALS and their families have become teachers to these nurses in many ways.
Peggy puts it simply: “All we truly have is this current moment, so make the most of it. Don’t leave things unsaid. Give and receive love at every opportunity.”
Gema adds: “Life is precious. Don’t take it for granted.”
Joumana reflects: “They’ve shown me the true power of resilience and love, even in the face of the hardest challenges.”
Advice to Fellow Nurses in the ALS Community
To those just entering the field, or anyone working with people with ALS, their advice is heartfelt.
“Be authentic, honest, and learn from those you serve,” says Peggy. “I have medical knowledge, but lived experience is the greatest teacher.”
“Build trust early and often,” adds Joumana. “Families need to feel they have a steady and reliable partner.”
And Gema emphasizes empathy: “Be patient, be kind, and be respectful. This moment could be the last time you see or talk to them.”
Soundbites From the Field
These nurses also shared a few short reflections on what keeps them going:
- As a nurse and Care Services Coordinator, I’ve learned that: “Small actions make big differences.” — Joumana
- …“Teamwork makes the dream work.” — Peggy
- …“It’s not one size fits all, everyone is unique and what works for one doesn’t always work for everyone.” — Gema
- My favorite RN superpower is: “Anticipating what a patient or family needs before they even have to ask.” — Joumana
- …”Listening.” — Gema
- …”dispensing of ‘verbal valium’. 😄 I can’t cure your ALS, but with education, guidance, support, and (occasionally inappropriate) humor, I can help you see your way through this.” — Peggy
And in this line of work, every big and small victory matters:
- “When we give families a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation.” — Joumana
- “Receiving sincere gratitude and appreciation.” — Gema
A Message for Nurses Everywhere
To fellow nurses during Nurses Week, they offer these reminders:
“Take care of yourself as well as you take care of your patients.” — Gema
“There are so many ways to be a nurse, so try as many different roles and specialties as possible until you find your ‘home’.” — Peggy
“Take a moment to feel proud of the lives you’ve touched — because every small act of care adds up to something extraordinary.” — Joumana
