In the middle of the night, around 11 pm, almost 2 hours after my child was given melatonin, they tried to admit her for an MRI, which we have patiently been awaiting and already slated /scheduled for the following day, but suggested trying without anesthesia since she would be sleepy. Whilst trying to get her into the MRI, my daughter was having a very difficult time moving onto the table and specifically lying back because of the severe neck pain she had been experiencing. She was half asleep, getting frustrated, scared that there was pressure on her to lie back, and she felt as though she was not capable.

All elements combined, we agreed we should just wait till the following day and undergo anesthesia. Immediately after getting settled back in the room, close to midnight, a particular doctor from MRI came in quickly, stating they have some type of inhalant solution they can give to her, which will help her fall asleep more so they could try to get her back to MRI now and get it taken care of. I said ok, and she said Great and rushed out of the room. All the while, Kaelyn had been at the door and approached me to ask how I really felt about it because she noticed how rushed the conversation was and how I didn't even get a chance to discuss further, or almost as if I was being pushed into doing something without having the space or time to think through my feelings or decision on it. When Kaelyn asked how I was feeling. I started to process through my thoughts and how I was concerned and uncomfortable with continuing to try putting her in a challenging and painful experience, with just the transferring from one bed to another and lying down flat. I saw it in her eyes, the fear, pain, confusion, exhaustion, and being woken up out of her sleep to do all this while so tired. My concern was not her being able to lie still once inside, but many factors, such as the timing, current overall state of mind, and pushing her to do painful things against her will. Kaelyn understood, and she agreed that given all the key factors/elements that my reasoning and decision to prefer just keeping with the originally scheduled MRI for the following day using anesthesia. She supported this decision and really took the time to connect with me and became truly dedicated to advocating for my daughter and me.

Immediately after she relayed that decision to the MRI doctor, the doctor came flying into my room.

The doctor appeared to push me into moving forward with the MRI right now, even though there was no imminent threat or danger that my child was facing by not getting an MRI right now. I expressed clearly that I was now very uncomfortable with this whole situation and would like to wait for an MRI with anesthesia the following day. Kaelyn promptly consoled me after the conversation, as I had really become upset at this point. The interaction had truly caught me so off guard, because up until now, we had been given the utmost kind, considerate, professional, and supportive service at the hospital. All of a sudden, I felt like I was in a battle and was now involved in negotiations and wasn't sure who was on my/my child's side. Kaelyn affirmed that my perception was not out of line and that both she and the assistant agreed the doctor's behavior was not ok and apologized on her behalf thoroughly and reinforced the fact that she was on my side and supported my decision. I got very stirred in emotion and couldn't even sleep at that point.

Kaelyn proceeded to let me know that the situation had bothered her so much that she felt it should be reported to the patient services director to ensure proper measures were taken and that I be given prompt attention and reassurance from a high-up authority. The patient services rep promptly came to visit me, and we had a wonderfully reassuring conversation about everything that occurred. Kaelyn was brave, bold, and attentive. She was invested in me, my decisions, and my daughter's well-being. I truly felt "seen", heard, and understood. She boldly took action on my behalf and was determined for proper justice to be served. She was present for me during a difficult time and put my mind at ease. She went above and beyond, and for that I am truly grateful. She deserves the utmost praise, and I hope she receives recognition for her kind heart and brave professional actions. She is a beacon of light and the perfect model/representation of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital's exceptional reputation, values, and beliefs.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kaelyn!