In 2021, I was a patient at a different local hospital when I was informed that I had lost our son, H, at approximately 39 weeks' gestation. Our family was devastated, and we spent a great deal of time trying to put the pieces back together. In 2022, we had decided to try for another baby, and I became a patient at SVMC. Of course, this pregnancy was riddled with anxiety and fear of the unknown. As we neared the end, the great staff at SVMC OBGYN provided tremendous support and offered extra monitoring. In several events, the heart rate found on non-stress tests was slightly higher than normal, and the offer was extended to be transferred to the hospital for further monitoring. Based on my history, I did go to the hospital, where I first met Deb.

Deb was made aware of my past and spent a great deal of her time with me, just chatting about H and becoming a friend. She continuously made sure I was comfortable and asked me questions about H and this pregnancy in a way that someone who truly cared would. It became clear that the high heart rate was because of my own anxiety, and Deb was tremendous in helping alleviate that anxiety. Since 2022, I've given birth at SVMC two more times, and Deb has been there every time. She always knows who we are and makes sure to come talk with us, even if we aren't assigned to her. Deb truly is a special person, and someone I would consider a friend.