Elma Sheets, RN

During the birth of my first and only child, everything initially appeared normal. He was born full-term with good APGAR scores and no immediate red flags. Once we were in postpartum care, however, he became increasingly lethargic and difficult to arouse. Two pediatricians reassured me that he was simply a “sleepy baby” and that everything looked fine.

Elma Sheets was my postpartum nurse, and she was the first person who truly saw my son. While others focused on vitals and lab values, Elma paid attention to him. She noticed his persistent sleepiness, his weakening muscle tone, and subtle changes that did not sit right with her. Elma trusted her instincts and did not dismiss what she was seeing.

She voiced her concerns, collaborated with my daytime nurse, and advocated for a third pediatrician to assess him more thoroughly.  Because of Elma’s intervention, a physician finally took a deeper look. That decision led to him being transferred to a higher level of care, where he was diagnosed with a rare genetic metabolic disorder called Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH).

After becoming part of the NKH community, I learned how rare his outcome truly was. Most NKH babies are sent home from their birth hospital, only to return within 24 hours unresponsive, intubated, and critically ill. Because of Elma’s advocacy, my son was never discharged home, never intubated, and received the only available treatment for his condition on his third day of life; something unheard of in our community.

Elma’s care went far beyond routine nursing responsibilities. She listened, she trusted her clinical judgment, and she spoke up when it mattered most. Her actions exemplify extraordinary compassionate care. Elma advocated for a vulnerable newborn when it would have been easier to accept reassurance, and her courage changed the trajectory of mine and my son’s life.

I will forever be grateful for the role she played in our story. My son is here today because she chose to act.