I was a patient in Labor & Delivery. Kari was just introduce as my nurse for the night. I had been admitted late morning in labor. I had just reached 10cm and my baby was "laboring down." My day nurse was giving Kari the rundown on my situation and I was hoping I was about to cross the finish line of a VBAC. When all of a sudden Kari noticed the baby's heart rate was no longer on the monitor. She quickly took control of the situation, promptly inserted an internal heart rate monitor and knew she needed help and had my room full of as many helpers as possible in a matter of minutes.

Immediately, my day nurses Jodi and Michelle were in the room calming me down, putting on oxygen, and helping Kari attempt to pick up my baby's heart rate, which proved to be impossible. By this time, Dr. M. had joined the fight and determined I needed an emergency C-section. My uterus had ruptured and Kari's quick actions saved lifesaving seconds for my baby and quite possibly me.

Dr. M. and her team started my C-section getting the baby out in a matter of moments, saving her life. My OB, Dr. P., joined the fight after the operation had commenced. My uterus was repaired and my baby was unscathed. After surgery, Kari was my recovery nurse where she continued her loving and nurturing care. If Kari had not responded so quickly, I am not sure I would be holding my baby as I am writing this award nomination. She truly changed my family's life. We are forever grateful.