August 2026 Honoree
Emarie Rodriguez, BSN, RN
My husband and I experienced a miscarriage two years ago and struggled with fertility a bit, so there was an extra level of worry throughout my pregnancy. When my water broke unexpectedly at 35 weeks and 3 days with our first baby, we were both feeling a lot of things - mainly terrified.
After I was admitted to the hospital, we spent several hours trying cervical ripening, but labor wasn't progressing. Our daughter's heart rate kept dropping after some contractions, and I still wasn't dilating. After about nine hours of trying to go the natural way, there was a huge drop in her heart rate, and right around this time Emarie came on shift, and our doctor explained that it was time to break baby girl free and we needed to move forward with an emergency C-section.
Everything happened so quickly. I was scared, my husband was worried, and there really wasn't time to process what was happening. From the moment that Emarie walked into the room, she brought a sense of calm that we desperately needed. She kept the energy positive, reassured us every step of the way, and let me cry it out when it felt overwhelming.
During the procedure, when things became physically painful (hello spinal tap), she let me squeeze her arm as tightly as I needed to without hesitation. After delivery, she continued to reassure and encourage me as I was trying to calm down and just breathe after having a major surgery.
Days later, our little one was still in the NICU, and we were sitting with her just enjoying her presence. Emarie walked in just to check on her, without knowing we were there - just because she cared.
More than anything, Emarie made me feel safe. She gave me peace during a moment filled with fear and supported my husband as well. We'll never forget the compassion, kindness, and steady presence she showed us that day.
We are forever grateful for the care she gave our family.
After I was admitted to the hospital, we spent several hours trying cervical ripening, but labor wasn't progressing. Our daughter's heart rate kept dropping after some contractions, and I still wasn't dilating. After about nine hours of trying to go the natural way, there was a huge drop in her heart rate, and right around this time Emarie came on shift, and our doctor explained that it was time to break baby girl free and we needed to move forward with an emergency C-section.
Everything happened so quickly. I was scared, my husband was worried, and there really wasn't time to process what was happening. From the moment that Emarie walked into the room, she brought a sense of calm that we desperately needed. She kept the energy positive, reassured us every step of the way, and let me cry it out when it felt overwhelming.
During the procedure, when things became physically painful (hello spinal tap), she let me squeeze her arm as tightly as I needed to without hesitation. After delivery, she continued to reassure and encourage me as I was trying to calm down and just breathe after having a major surgery.
Days later, our little one was still in the NICU, and we were sitting with her just enjoying her presence. Emarie walked in just to check on her, without knowing we were there - just because she cared.
More than anything, Emarie made me feel safe. She gave me peace during a moment filled with fear and supported my husband as well. We'll never forget the compassion, kindness, and steady presence she showed us that day.
We are forever grateful for the care she gave our family.
Thank you, Emarie, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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