February 2026 Honoree
Chelsea Ware, RN
My son sustained a traumatic femur fracture while skiing and arrived at the Emergency Department by ambulance. I arrived shortly afterward, and Chelsea, along with a crew of nurses and technicians, introduced themselves and immediately made sure I was informed and doing okay.
They never made me feel like I was in the way and treated me with compassion and kindness throughout the entire experience. They worked together seamlessly to medicate my son, carefully position him, and accomplish the unthinkable—removing his clothing and ski boots when even the slightest movement caused unimaginable pain. Every action was communicated clearly and honestly, and the team worked in a coordinated and efficient manner.
What stands out most to me is the extraordinary compassion and care Chelsea showed him during many excruciating hours. I am an RN, and I witnessed Chelsea going above and beyond to advocate for my son to ensure he was as safe and comfortable as possible.
She accompanied us to Radiology, where it took four to five people to support him and problem-solve how to obtain X-rays of his severe fracture. Throughout the process, she comforted him through extreme pain with tremendous patience, expertise, and compassion.
The trauma and emotional weight of the situation left me tearful and feeling helpless at times, and Chelsea instinctively stepped in whenever I needed to step away. He remembers her as an incredible source of comfort and nurturing, which was exactly what he needed—and what we both needed.
When the surgical team was finally ready for him, my son experienced an episode of severe muscle spasms that was both intense and frightening, requiring additional medication and time before he could be transported. Chelsea coached him through some of the worst moments of our lives, speaking calmly and directly into his ear as he screamed in pain and experienced full-body muscle spasms.
Chelsea then accompanied the transport team to ensure his safety and remained with him until he was safely in the hands of the surgical team. Her presence during every stage of our experience brought tremendous comfort to both my son and me.
We are eternally grateful for her care. Chelsea's clinical expertise and extraordinary compassion made an overwhelming experience more bearable.
As we continue to process everything that has happened over the past few days, her care stands out as truly exceptional. Every caregiver we encountered was wonderful, and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who cared for us. We are far from our home in Maine, yet every member of the team made sure we had the resources, support, and information we needed to navigate the next steps in my son's healing.
Please extend our heartfelt thanks to Chelsea and to the other members of the Emergency Department team who cared for us that day.
They never made me feel like I was in the way and treated me with compassion and kindness throughout the entire experience. They worked together seamlessly to medicate my son, carefully position him, and accomplish the unthinkable—removing his clothing and ski boots when even the slightest movement caused unimaginable pain. Every action was communicated clearly and honestly, and the team worked in a coordinated and efficient manner.
What stands out most to me is the extraordinary compassion and care Chelsea showed him during many excruciating hours. I am an RN, and I witnessed Chelsea going above and beyond to advocate for my son to ensure he was as safe and comfortable as possible.
She accompanied us to Radiology, where it took four to five people to support him and problem-solve how to obtain X-rays of his severe fracture. Throughout the process, she comforted him through extreme pain with tremendous patience, expertise, and compassion.
The trauma and emotional weight of the situation left me tearful and feeling helpless at times, and Chelsea instinctively stepped in whenever I needed to step away. He remembers her as an incredible source of comfort and nurturing, which was exactly what he needed—and what we both needed.
When the surgical team was finally ready for him, my son experienced an episode of severe muscle spasms that was both intense and frightening, requiring additional medication and time before he could be transported. Chelsea coached him through some of the worst moments of our lives, speaking calmly and directly into his ear as he screamed in pain and experienced full-body muscle spasms.
Chelsea then accompanied the transport team to ensure his safety and remained with him until he was safely in the hands of the surgical team. Her presence during every stage of our experience brought tremendous comfort to both my son and me.
We are eternally grateful for her care. Chelsea's clinical expertise and extraordinary compassion made an overwhelming experience more bearable.
As we continue to process everything that has happened over the past few days, her care stands out as truly exceptional. Every caregiver we encountered was wonderful, and we are deeply appreciative of everyone who cared for us. We are far from our home in Maine, yet every member of the team made sure we had the resources, support, and information we needed to navigate the next steps in my son's healing.
Please extend our heartfelt thanks to Chelsea and to the other members of the Emergency Department team who cared for us that day.
Thank you, Chelsea, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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