Annette is the kind of person that, when you first meet her, you want to tell her your life story. Endlessly curious, always interested, Annette is a born social worker who unfailingly makes time for any and all she meets.

As she says, "I help people on dialysis help themselves–and encourage them to be more independent. People on dialysis face tremendous challenges. Suddenly they have to adjust their lives to their new situation–their relationships with families and friends, whether or not they can continue working, their whole outlook on life. Plus they may need help with insurance and transportation to and from the center. It's my job to help them find solutions to their problems–and I love it!"

Annette, 34, grew up in a large family, the oldest of eight children. So from an early age, she learned to care for others: settling fights, arbitrating disputes, and answering questions of her bickering brothers and sisters. Because of this, she developed into a resourceful, resolute person—ideal traits for helping others.

Ironically, Annette is single and childless—although she desperately wants to marry and start a family of her own. Her long-time boyfriend, Andre Timmons, is a struggling musician; thus far, he has resisted committing to Annette and to starting a family until he has established himself in the music business.

In a very real way, the patients and staff of the Hope Street Dialysis Center are her extended family.

Meet the rest of the characters of Hope Street.