After the first 48 hours of post-emergency cesarean, my husband and I were met with Chona. Informative, thorough, bold, and unafraid she tended to her tiny patient with confidence and care. Throughout our extended stay she lovingly showed us, first-time parents, the ropes: from proper feeding, bathing, and CPR techniques, growing our confidence as we prepared for discharge.

As an influx of newborns demanded the opening of the NICU annex, she handled the coverage and changed with stride, often seen as a leader among her colleagues. Although she was not on shift during our departure, she has been renamed “Tia Chona” as a loving extension of our new family. We cannot thank her effort enough; her reassurance and tenacity allowed for a smooth NICU discharge.