A recent example of why Katie should be honored with the DAISY Award is her admitting and primary care of a 26 3/7 week 780 grams, tiny little boy. He was born very unexpectedly. He was so early that the parents did not have a name for him when he was born.

The family was very nervous and anxious since the delivery was sudden. Many times parents have some warning that their infant will be delivered early. Unfortunately this family was not prepared and did not even plan on delivery at UIC. Katie welcomed first the father to meet his 1st born son. She was very kind and patient in explaining all the working of the NICU to a very nervous father, who was also coping with a very ill mother. She made sure he was able to take a picture of the little guy so that the mother could see that he was doing well.

Katie signed up to as a primary nurse for this neonate so that she could provide continuity of care for him and be a familiar face for the family to help ease their nerves during their long NICU journey. Over the next few days the mother was feeling better and was able to meet her son in person. Katie encouraged the parents to participate in care of their fragile little guy. She supported the mother's goal of breastfeeding him by encouraging her to pump milk for him until he is able to breastfeed himself.

Katie makes beautifully decorated name tags for the infants in the NICU so that the babies are more than just baby Doe. These name tags are asked for and cherished by the families in the NICU families.