My youngest daughter, age 5, was very ill for several days. The urgent care sent us to the ED because of troubling results in a lab they performed. I was terrified because the nurse indicated it could be a deadly liver concern. When we arrived at the ED it was brimming with other ill children and clearly backed up. Chris came out to the crowd of frustrated parents to acknowledge the delay and reassure us of how important we all are. He also made it clear we could approach him at any time.

My daughter’s ED lab result confirmed what urgent care revealed, so Chris immediately set her up with IV fluids and mitigated her tears of pain with two popsicles and a few cheesy jokes. He also gave her IV meds to help her nausea so she could finally eat again. After the meds kicked in, he personally brought her a meal tray so she could eat. He also gave her some delicious lemonade! After the IV fluids and attempt at a meal, we went back to the waiting room. Chris knew my daughter missed her daddy and during IV he let him visit her a few times, showing compassion and empathy since he is a father as well.

In the waiting room, we noticed a rash spreading quickly on my daughter. Trusting that Chris was approachable and caring as he seemed, I found him and showed him my daughter’s rash. He immediately got us a room and expedited a doctor visit for the allergic reaction. Not once did he act annoyed or exasperated during our 11-hour ED stay. He kept encouraging my daughter and commending her bravery and patience. He went beyond the call of duty to make sure every test she needed was completed and reassured us at every turn. Once the allergic reaction was addressed, and the underlying illness identified, Chris personally came to discharge us and explain the EpiPen and how to administer her medicine. He even told me to make sure I relaxed and grabbed a glass of wine!

All of this is to say that yesterday was one of the most terrifying days of my life because I thought my baby girl was seriously ill and Chris’s compassionate and calming care helped me pull through without breaking down. I do not think he realizes it, which is why I am submitting this nomination. My daughter said that she wanted to draw him a picture to thank him as well. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!