March 2026 Honoree
Kelly Pizzirusso, RN
I came to the hospital 21weeks pregnant with a baby without a heartbeat. I am a surrogate and personally struggling with the fact that the baby I was tasked with did not make it.
Kelly was my nurse that night, and she talked me through this and other challenges. She cared so much about my mental and physical health; she knew I wasn't ok, and she stuck close to me. When it came time for the epidural, she was right there with me, and as I began to get anxious, she had suggestions on how to calm me.
After the birth, she helped me care for the stillborn baby. When I began bleeding very heavily, and the doctor was preparing for a D&C, she supported and comforted my husband; then, once in the OR, she supported and comforted me as my husband was not allowed in.
I remember not letting go of her hand as I thought I was dying; I could not have handled this situation without her. The next night we were able to talk about what happened, which helped me process and bring closure to the loss of the baby.
Kelly was my nurse that night, and she talked me through this and other challenges. She cared so much about my mental and physical health; she knew I wasn't ok, and she stuck close to me. When it came time for the epidural, she was right there with me, and as I began to get anxious, she had suggestions on how to calm me.
After the birth, she helped me care for the stillborn baby. When I began bleeding very heavily, and the doctor was preparing for a D&C, she supported and comforted my husband; then, once in the OR, she supported and comforted me as my husband was not allowed in.
I remember not letting go of her hand as I thought I was dying; I could not have handled this situation without her. The next night we were able to talk about what happened, which helped me process and bring closure to the loss of the baby.
Thank you, Kelly, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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