August 2026 Honoree
Jessie Fronk, BSN, RN, CPN
Jessie Fronk is such a kind nurse and showed exceptional compassion during the most difficult time of my 5-year-old son’s life. Her compassion is the kind that cannot be taught; it comes from being a truly exceptional nurse.
Our son was admitted to the PICU following his first extensive abdominal surgery after being diagnosed with a congenital portosystemic shunt. He was scheduled to undergo a second surgery seven days later.
From the very beginning, Jessie and our son immediately formed a bond. She took time to ask him about himself and learned all about his love for sharks and dinosaurs, all while providing outstanding clinical care-administering medications, managing his central lines, PCA, arterial line, nerve blocks, and a mesenteric line.
Jessie had to take our son to a post operative CT scan and allowed me to go with him so he would not be scared. She clearly understood the importance of family-centered care. Keeping a critically ill 5-year-old comfortable and engaged is no easy task, yet Jessie did so with remarkable patience and graciousness.
The next day, Jessie went above and beyond in a way we will never forget. After finishing her shift, she went out of her way to visit the Shedd Aquarium and brought our son his very own toy shark. He was absolutely delighted and immediately asked for Jessie to be his nurse again.
Although she was not scheduled to work on the day of our son's second surgery, Jessie picked up an extra shift on her day off so she could surprise him. The comfort he felt when he saw her smiling face walk into his room was immediate and obvious.
Jessie's compassion extended not only to our son, but also to my husband and me. She listened to my concerns, showed genuine empathy, and helped calm me during the hardest moments I have experienced as a parent.
After our son was well enough to leave the ICU, Jessie took time to visit him on the floor and thoughtfully delivered a LEGO dinosaur to keep him busy after three weeks in the hospital. To this day, our son still talks about his favorite nurse, "Jessie," at Lurie's.
As a former ICU nurse and Lurie's nurse myself, I understand how demanding and exhausting nursing can be. Yet Jessie consistently showed up with a positive attitude that truly brightened our PICU stay. She exemplifies the very best of nursing, and our family will forever be grateful for her extraordinary care.
Jessie is the picture of what a pediatric nurse should be. Caring, empathetic, attentive, hardworking, and self-sacrificial. She deserves this award!
Our son was admitted to the PICU following his first extensive abdominal surgery after being diagnosed with a congenital portosystemic shunt. He was scheduled to undergo a second surgery seven days later.
From the very beginning, Jessie and our son immediately formed a bond. She took time to ask him about himself and learned all about his love for sharks and dinosaurs, all while providing outstanding clinical care-administering medications, managing his central lines, PCA, arterial line, nerve blocks, and a mesenteric line.
Jessie had to take our son to a post operative CT scan and allowed me to go with him so he would not be scared. She clearly understood the importance of family-centered care. Keeping a critically ill 5-year-old comfortable and engaged is no easy task, yet Jessie did so with remarkable patience and graciousness.
The next day, Jessie went above and beyond in a way we will never forget. After finishing her shift, she went out of her way to visit the Shedd Aquarium and brought our son his very own toy shark. He was absolutely delighted and immediately asked for Jessie to be his nurse again.
Although she was not scheduled to work on the day of our son's second surgery, Jessie picked up an extra shift on her day off so she could surprise him. The comfort he felt when he saw her smiling face walk into his room was immediate and obvious.
Jessie's compassion extended not only to our son, but also to my husband and me. She listened to my concerns, showed genuine empathy, and helped calm me during the hardest moments I have experienced as a parent.
After our son was well enough to leave the ICU, Jessie took time to visit him on the floor and thoughtfully delivered a LEGO dinosaur to keep him busy after three weeks in the hospital. To this day, our son still talks about his favorite nurse, "Jessie," at Lurie's.
As a former ICU nurse and Lurie's nurse myself, I understand how demanding and exhausting nursing can be. Yet Jessie consistently showed up with a positive attitude that truly brightened our PICU stay. She exemplifies the very best of nursing, and our family will forever be grateful for her extraordinary care.
Jessie is the picture of what a pediatric nurse should be. Caring, empathetic, attentive, hardworking, and self-sacrificial. She deserves this award!
Thank you, Jessie, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees