Patient reunites with nurse who helped her overcome rare condition 35 years ago

Thirty-five years ago, Alyson Brittain overcame a rare autoimmune condition and credits her nurse Ceddie Persaud with saving her life. The two lost touch after Brittain left the hospital. Recently, Brittain stumbled upon a picture of her and Persaud together and decided she wanted to thank her. She reached out to CBS News contributor David Begnaud for help.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

[theronaldophotography]

It’s always the Filipino nurses who embody the true Florence Nightingale’s essence.

[chiyourmobilewellness]

Filipino nurses are world class. Mabuhay!

[celrocc]

I worked for 17 years in the OR & I say, without reservation, Filipino nurses were the best co-workers & teammates to work with. Their work ethic, integrity, temperament & compassion isn't just for the job, it truly is very much a part of their culture. Are there other amazing nurses from different backgrounds? Of course! But every Filipino nurse I've had the pleasure of working with, male or female, has always helped me do my job better & no matter what the day would bring us, I knew we would both give 100% EVERY TIME. This doesn't surprise me at all that this nurse made such an impact on this woman's healing & health (emotionally/physically). I'm so happy that they reunited in person 💖

[_halogen_]

gosh, that signature Filipino kiss and hug!!!!

[maryj]

Be friends with Filipinos you will encounter in your life. They are angels and blessings to humanity. They are happy and kind people, they love to share their food, they love to help in their own little ways, they are caring, they value their work, family oriented and respectful with the elders. ❤🙏

[alimama]

As a Filipino healthcare worker, we pray for our patients/residents everyday

[jamesarden]

Let me tell you something....before being educated in the medical field, i firmly believe that Filipino nurses are firstly trained to give compassion and empathy. That's what separates them from other nurses. They have the heart. ❤

[jdrn]

Filipino Nurses are most caring people you will ever encounter.

[michaellim]

Not surprising. I'm South Korean and Filipinas have an innate caring heart. The Philipines helped South Korea during its most trying times back in 1950 during the Korean War, when the nation needed the most help during its darkest hours. Philipines, as part of the UN coalition forces, sent thousands of troops to fight for South Korea when we had our backs, literally, to the ocean with no where to go. They and many other nations helped us not only survive but thrive after 70 years. Look where South Korea is on the global stage.
Thank you Philipines and most importantly, the people for their ALWAYS kind nature humility and heart. We, South Korea, as a country and people will NEVER FORGET. THANK YOU THANK YOU AND THANK YOU.

[Bry-]

And after 35 years they still look beautiful and gorgeous 😍😍😍

[mahoroty]

as a filipino nurse, this made me cry and inspired.

[dannynicart]

Undoubtedly, Filipino nurses are a competent, kind-hearted breed of people.

[Djekspoe]

As a son of a Filipino nurse. I can honestly say they are superheroes.

[mirriamyamyam]

My tears just kept on falling coz I dont trust people anymore but this story touched my heart.

[CBD..]

Filipino nurses are the most caring. Mabuhay kababayan!

[Wristinpain]

I am crying. I had BC during Covid. I was so scared but I was under the care of 3 awesome 3 filipina nurses. From chemo to radiation. I was so lucky and thankful that I was under their care. Nurse Cindy, Mina and Judy.

[NurseMJ]

What an honor to be remembered. We take care of all our patients with all our heart and with compassion, like they are our family. Thank you for recognizing the selfless service of nurses all over the world. To all Filipino nurses in every corner of the world, we are proud of the work you do. Keep it up, not for recognition but to spread the empathic care that we are known for. Be an angel to your patients in their time of need.

[NyxtoX]

I am a Filipino nursing student and every time we do our shifts, we say a solemn prayer. This is the prayer, me and my classmates use:

A Nurse's Prayer

Dearest Jesus, my guide and the inspiration of my chosen path, I humbly come before You. When You ascended into heaven, You entrusted the care of the sick to those whom You called into this sacred vocation of nursing. I am deeply honored to be among them, blessed by Your grace.

Help me, Lord, to remain true to this calling. Let my hands move with the tenderness and compassion of Your hands, my voice echo with the kindness and comfort of Yours, and my presence be a beacon of hope, just as Yours was to those who suffered in Your time.

I long to serve You fully, Lord, but I know my own human frailty and limitations. Without You, I am weak and can only accomplish little. So I beg for Your strength today and every day. Let Your divine guidance shape my actions, that I may truly embody Your love and care, becoming an Angel of healing in every room I enter.

AMEN.

[noelbmagalona]

When my dad had a stroke last 2021 amidst pandemic, I am alone at the hospital taking care of my dad. The only people checking on me are the nurses who treat us well and with care. This is what we call dedication, passion and love.

[agatonicaararacap]

This made me cry being recognized of the compassion, dedication, integrity of Filipino nurses. Me as a nurse too here in Norway, still working full time after 39 years of service, first as operating room nurse, then took my post grad in psychiatry in Oslo University college, now OSLO Met.I will be retiring next year in the same hospital for 35 years.I worked in the northern part when I came to Norway in the OR, and never regreted taking specialty in mental health after many years of scrubbing and standing.