I nominated Kelly for the DAISY Award after our stay with our 11-week-old on 6 Henson. Every stay at the hospital is hard, especially with a child, but as parents, my husband and I felt lost. We weren't getting the care we knew we deserved and we couldn't get anyone to listen to us.

That was until morning shift change on day two, when Kelly walked in. She dealt with very tired and upset parents with grace and a smile. She was able to give us resources that no one else had offered even when we asked. She called doctors all day and got the answers we so desperately needed. Without her, we wouldn't have the answers we do today for why our son had seizures at 11-weeks-old.

For the first time, someone handled our son like he was a child, not a "case" or a number. She handled us as parents and though we were total strangers, she treated us like family. She has the compassion and advocacy genes that I wish every nurse had. I am not just saying that; I am an RN, and Kelly and that stay at the hospital taught me a lot that I now carry forward each and every day in my own practice.

I know the DAISY award isn't something that just gets handed out. If there ever was someone who exemplified every pillar of this award, it is Kelly. Kelly didn't have to go above and beyond, and I'm sure she had other things she could have been doing that day. She truly was our nurse in shining scrubs those two days she took care of us and I know I can never thank her enough.

From the bottom of our hearts, please let Kelly know what an important part of Children's Mercy she really is and give her this amazing honor.