Lisa's Doctoral Graduation Ceremony

Lisa has always been a generous woman, giving light and love and healing to all who need it. Anyone who has seen her in action can recognize how tenderly she treats those in her care, and how determined she is to mitigate the pain of those around her. As she climbs higher in life, she manages to find more and more to give, setting aside years to hone her skills and understanding of human life and health from many different angles. This summer she was able to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice, a degree only held by a small fraction of the population, becoming an expert in her field.

This doctorate is a culmination of decades of Lisa’s dedication, diligence and passion to and for the field of Nursing. Most of us know the range and depth of the knowledge she had prior to obtaining an advanced degree and are thrilled to see it blossom and be recognized in the form of a doctorate. We also know of the effort it took, the hardship she went through, and the strain it has had on her.

For those of us standing back and watching her fly, it is very painful to see her face more obstacles. Even with her immense success, material conditions can’t change overnight. As she faces a difficult transition, with the start of her new job pushed back and still between housing as she stays with her son, a gown that costs as much as a month's rent is not in the cards for her on her own.

Acknowledgement of milestones through ritual is a common human need, even if only admitted unconsciously; it helps solidify achievement, provides closure, and confirms the confidence necessary for us to move to the next phase of life. That is why we, as her family who love her, want Lisa to have the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremony of this major accomplishment. It is well deserved and should not be missed due to the (if not unreasonable) exorbitant cost of attendance, including fees, gown, and travel. We thank you for joining us in our celebration of the gift that is Lisa Sánchez-Navarro.