My husband was at work, my parents in Florida, and my Mother-in-Law was helping watch my 20-month-old - who was home with an ear infection. I walked into Labor & Delivery alone after not feeling my baby, L, move in a few hours. Keri took me back to a room where we received the devastating news that L’s heart had stopped beating at 36 weeks and 6 days gestation.

Keri was a beacon of support and strength. Her presence in the room was calming and comforting. She spoke to me with such gentleness and empathy, acknowledging my grief, shedding tears with me at times, and allowing me to express my emotions freely.

She offered hugs and checked in frequently, making sure I wasn’t alone for long periods while we waited for my husband to get there. Keri walked us through some of the hardest decisions we needed to make, asked to be our nurse the following day when she came back for her shift, participated in our son’s baptism, and held him for the last time as she took him to meet the funeral home in the hospital hallway.

While I don’t know this for sure, I believe Keri influenced some of the nurses and caregivers who were assigned to us during our stay. I’m beyond grateful that she introduced us to the Chaplain and others who were so kind and took great care of us while we were there.  

Keri's unwavering compassion and dedication extended beyond the delivery room. She checked in on us regularly and a few days later, I was back in the hospital for a birth related issue, Keri was there and requested to be my nurse. She continued to offer emotional support and ensured we had access to the resources we needed. Her kindness made a world of difference during this unimaginable time.

I am forever grateful for the exceptional care, empathy and compassion Keri Deegan demonstrated. She truly embodies the essence of a compassionate and dedicated nurse, and I believe she is highly deserving of the DAISY Award.