Hillary saved my son’s life. I got pregnant at 18 and had my son a month after my 19th birthday. I was alone during my labor. She was there with me throughout the whole thing. She kept me strong, telling me I’m doing a good job, treating me like an adult, which was rare due to my age and circumstances.

She held my hand when I was scared. She made me laugh and gave me the strength I needed that nobody else could. When my son’s heart rate started going down, she was the first to notice and to make the call that I needed an emergency C-section. She held my hand the whole time, skipped her lunch break to be there with me, telling me how strong I am, and that I’m doing an amazing job.

She stayed past her shift until my mom was able to come from out of town to be with me. I wouldn’t have the strength as a mother that I have now if it weren’t for Hillary. I’ve thought of her every day these past 11 months. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or unsure if I’m being a good mom, I think of Hillary and the love and care she showed me in my time of need. My son was on oxygen for three hours after birth, and Hillary stayed with me and gave me updates on how he was doing, along with going to the nursery to take pictures of my son to come and show me.

Hillary didn’t just feel like a nurse; she felt like family. I tell my son stories about her and will continue to do so even when he’s old.