I don't remember Judy Ridley. Judy probably doesn't remember me, but what she did for me will never be forgotten.
I was admitted to Maine Medical Center in active labor with my first child. Soon after midnight the unthinkable happened. I coded due to an amniotic fluid embolism. AFEs are rare occurrences, happening in only about 100,000 deliveries, with most mothers not surviving. Thanks to the phenomenal effects of labor and delivery and MMC's code team, I was resuscitated and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Due to the trauma of delivery, we were separated. I was taken to SCU and the baby to NICU.
The first days in SCU, I was sedated and delirious but constantly asking for my baby. Family taped photos to my bed, but I insisted,"That was not my baby". Finally on day 3, Judy helped coordinate a visit between me and my little girl. I may not remember much from those days, but I will always cherish the memory of being handed the most beautiful baby girl I've ever seen for the first time. From then on, I would look at the little face in those pictures and knows she was mine and she was safe.
The term "thank you" seems so ordinary for such an extraordinary gift of my first Mommy moments. So to Aunty Judy, as my family calls her, I humbly offer my deepest gratitude. Your patient/ family centered care was above and beyond expectation. Amazing people like you are what make MMC magnet and why I don't just come here for treatment but work here every day.