Just before midnight, an ultrasound was done to confirm that our baby had no heartbeat. That morning, my daughter was checked in the Labor and Delivery. While everyone on staff was great my daughter felt that no one wanted to look her in the eyes, knowing what she had to go through for the next few hours, but Kaleigh. I understand that nurses go through training on how to deal with situations like this, but it was obvious Kaleigh has something more inside her, caring, compassion, kindness, and the ability to show that to another human being. After the baby was born I tried to be strong for my daughter. I thought that I could clean him up and get him dressed so we could take a few more pictures. I only got so far before I couldn't do it anymore. I rang the nurse call bell and waited in tears. Kaleigh came in and I explained what I was trying to do and quickly she took over dressing him for me. It was after 3:00 pm and her shift was over. The two afternoon shift nurses came in and told her they would finish and that she could leave. She never said a word just finished helping me until it was all done.
Now to go back just a little. During the time it took to dress the baby, she talked to him like he was still with us. Address in such statements I can't remember. I just remember looking at her with tears in my eyes and seeing tears roll from hers too. I know nurses are not supposed to get emotionally attached or involved but it was very comforting to me to see her tears. The next day I found out that Kaleigh had never been through a stillbirth before. I just want her to be recognized for doing such a wonderful job and being such a strong support for me and my family at such a horrible time in our life. We can never thank her enough for this. Giving her this DAISY Award would mean so much to my family. I am a firm believer that an employer, such as UPMC, does not make the employee good. Great employees like Kaleigh make the employer good. Thank you for listening and giving us the chance to try and express our gratitude.