M arrived at Froedtert on Halloween night after sustaining a head injury and was brought to the Neurosciences ICU. Bridget was the primary, day shift nurse who handled M’s primary care when he arrived on the ICU floor. The initial days after M’s admission were terrifying and confusing as we grappled with the scope, complexity, and criticality of M’s injury.

During that time, Bridget helped our family understand the severity of his condition and the process of care as it evolved over the coming hours and days. Beyond providing exceptional care to M as a patient, Bridget recognized the immense grief being born by our family, She offered coffee and returned with a comfort basket filled with cookies and snacks (and coffee) when we couldn’t bear to leave the room. She helped coordinate a variety of hospital support services, from psychology to palliative care to Child Life and more, to help our family cope with the unfolding grief. These services were invaluable in the coming days, as we watched M succumb to his injuries. Bridget’s exceptional care and thoughtful compassion brought comfort to our family during our worst days, we are deeply grateful for everything that she has done for us and for M during our time at Froedtert.