My 19 year old son was in a horrible car accident recently. Aside from T's accident and injuries, being in the ICU was one of the scariest experiences of my life. Having Kelly there as T's nurse was by far the best part of being in the ICU. She made sure to thoroughly explain every sound the machines and monitors made and why they were beeping. Every morning before the doctors made their rounds she would ask us what questions we had for them and then she would bring them up for us to T's team. Any questions I had for her she always answered with thorough rationales for each one when she explained them to us, and if she didn't know the answer; she went and found it.

She not only kept me calm, but she also calmed my baby and kept him relaxed. She always provided above exceptional care to him and our entire family. Her priority was always my son and as his mother that meant so much to me. T was screaming in pain at times and Kelly tried everything within her power to keep him comfortable. She gave him every pain medicine she could and when that didn't work, she tried ice packs, pillows, repositioned him and then she just knelt down and held his hand. She coached his breathing and reassured him that she was there with him and for him and we just could clearly see that she wanted to take his pain away as much as I did at that moment.

Although it was a very hectic day in the ICU she never made us feel rushed or like we weren't her priority...even though we could see how busy it was getting on the unit. Even during that time, she made time for me and my husband knowing we were both anxious and worried. She took care of my son so well that it calmed me. She really exceeded my expectations of care. Just by simply listening and showing sincere empathy to all of us.

Our family loved her so much and she cared for my baby so well that we started calling her his "east coast mom." And that's not a title I would share with just anybody, but she earned it! She cared for him in a way that up until now I believed only a mother could. She truly became a part of our family and we are so beyond grateful for her. While he was in the ICU I didn't want to leave my baby's side unless I knew Kelly was watching over him and as a mother that speaks volumes! She was such a blessing! Kelly's tireless devotion to T's recovery, passion for the best care, knowledge, and skill set impressed our family from beginning to end. She made a huge impression on me, my son, and our entire family and she really stood out as the nurse that had gone above and beyond. All the staff was truly excellent, but Kelly was the one that always went the extra mile!

The night after T transferred out of the ICU to a step down unit - she even stopped by to check on him after she finished working her shift! It meant so much to me and T! Nurses hardly ever get the recognition they so truly deserve. So I hope this particular nurse does. I highly recommend her for any and all possible recognition or accolades she could receive because she is so very deserving of them all! Thank you T's East Coast Mama! We love and appreciate you so much!