I am a pregnant woman from China and currently a visiting scholar of Indiana University Bloomington. In the beginning of my pregnancy, I really had a difficult time waiting for the Harmony DNA test for my unborn baby.
It's Chelsa Murrell RN, who helped me a lot when I was so vulnerable and helpless. I was torn about making a big decision to keep the baby or not because I had several CT tests and even a CXR without knowing I was pregnant. I was desperate to know the DNA test result which was so time-pressed because of the state law, I would not be allowed to terminate the pregnancy if the fetus is over 13 weeks and 6 days.
It's Chelsa who made lots of phone calls to help me get the DNA test result within such a limited short time which actually added extra burden to her routine work. She personally called me and gave me the results of low-risk. At that time, she seemed like my hero to save me, as well as the baby! She even offered to send me the DNA result via e-mail to help give me relief upon knowing I could not drive to pick up the copy of the result. The next morning she even called first thing to make sure I was doing ok and if I had questions and encouraged me to be brave! She truly saved my baby's life and mine also.
When she knew I was still worried about the baby, she discussed with the doctor to change the original schedule to have an ultrasound for my next appointment sooner to make sure the baby is healthy. I can truly feel the care and warmth from Chelsa in America which is far from my home country and she has strengthened my faith to keep the baby! I marvel at her attitude of cherishing life and caring about patients! I wrote this letter to show my gratitude for Chelsa as I feel exceptional people should have recognized for their above and beyond work.
ONE YEAR LATER - current day
I have a friend who nominated another nurse for a DAISY Award and I truly feel like I know the nurse who is the meaning of what all nurses should be. I wrote the above letter, but I feel there are many reasons I need to update and express my gratitude and further appreciation. My daughter recently had her 1 year birthday and on her birthday I keep in mind this nurse and that I would not have the daughter I always dreamed of if not for her care and support. I am so grateful for her and her attitude of compassion. There is too much news about abortion now and in this decision, I never felt judgement and I only felt support and compassion which to me is a true nurse action. I know the original message is older and it brings me to tears reading it again but this nurse has been on my mind recently with a lot of news and my daughter's birthday. If not for this nurse I know 100% fact that I would not have my daughter today and all I ever wanted in life was a little girl.