Helen N Aldridge
April 2025
Helen N
Aldridge
,
MSN, RN
Inpatient Pediatrics
Tripler Army Medical Center
Honolulu
,
HI
United States
She took my daughter outside, where they watched the chickens near the picnic tables. It may seem like a small gesture, but it brought my daughter so much joy and laughter. It was the first time in weeks that I saw her smile, and it was a much-needed boost for both of us.
Our journey to Tripler Hospital was unexpected. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer, a reality no parent ever wants to face. As a military family, the challenges were further complicated by the logistics of being transferred overseas to receive care. But, looking back, I can honestly say that being brought to Tripler was the best thing that could have happened to our family. The support we received from the entire staff was nothing short of outstanding.
Nurse Helen went above and beyond in showing an incredible amount of compassion—not only for my daughter but for me as well. Due to the nature of my daughter’s treatment, she was often confined to the pediatric unit, which can be difficult for a child to understand. Nurse Helen made it a point to ensure she felt as comfortable as possible during her stay. She would often remind my daughter about the different toys she could use to ride around the halls, offering small but meaningful distractions.
As time passed, my daughter struggled to cope with the prolonged hospital stay. It was heartbreaking to witness her withdraw, not understanding why we were still there or how long we would remain. I knew this was a normal reaction for a child in her situation, but it didn’t make it any easier to watch. What stood out most was that Nurse Helen never gave up on her. She continued to encourage my daughter to leave her room and engage with her surroundings.
One weekend, Nurse Helen had an idea that seemed simple but was exactly what my daughter needed—a ride in one of the car-shaped wheelchairs. She took my daughter outside, where they watched the chickens near the picnic tables. It may seem like a small gesture, but it brought my daughter so much joy and laughter. It was the first time in weeks that I saw her smile, and it was a much-needed boost for both of us. Nurse Helen’s unwavering compassion and dedication are something we will never forget. Her kindness made a lasting impact on my daughter, who will always remember her as someone who brightened an incredibly difficult time. Thank you, Helen! We miss you!
Nurse Helen went above and beyond in showing an incredible amount of compassion—not only for my daughter but for me as well. Due to the nature of my daughter’s treatment, she was often confined to the pediatric unit, which can be difficult for a child to understand. Nurse Helen made it a point to ensure she felt as comfortable as possible during her stay. She would often remind my daughter about the different toys she could use to ride around the halls, offering small but meaningful distractions.
As time passed, my daughter struggled to cope with the prolonged hospital stay. It was heartbreaking to witness her withdraw, not understanding why we were still there or how long we would remain. I knew this was a normal reaction for a child in her situation, but it didn’t make it any easier to watch. What stood out most was that Nurse Helen never gave up on her. She continued to encourage my daughter to leave her room and engage with her surroundings.
One weekend, Nurse Helen had an idea that seemed simple but was exactly what my daughter needed—a ride in one of the car-shaped wheelchairs. She took my daughter outside, where they watched the chickens near the picnic tables. It may seem like a small gesture, but it brought my daughter so much joy and laughter. It was the first time in weeks that I saw her smile, and it was a much-needed boost for both of us. Nurse Helen’s unwavering compassion and dedication are something we will never forget. Her kindness made a lasting impact on my daughter, who will always remember her as someone who brightened an incredibly difficult time. Thank you, Helen! We miss you!