I am writing this letter as a nomination for Lacey Pierce, an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as a testament to her love of our tiny patients. This year, Lacey has made it her mission to take beautiful photos of our NICU patients in order to capture special moments in their short lives. After obtaining consent from parents, Lacey begins planning weeks in advance for these photo shoots. She consults with the neonatology providers, the bedside nurse providing care for the infant and the occupational therapist to ensure that the baby is healthy and stable enough to undergo a photo shoot. On the day of the shoot, Lacey brings in her camera and ring light along with appropriate props. Our little models have been dressed up for Valentine’s Day, Leap Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, and most recently, Easter. She also had a photo shoot for a very special baby’s NICU graduation, who, after spending his first 59 days of life in the NICU, was going home.

Lacey will tell you that photography is a hobby and she enjoys doing it, but after taking one look at the pictures she takes, her co-workers will tell you that she takes amazing photos and really captures the personalities of our patients! The excitement around these photo shoots is electric. We have staff members donating props and clothing as well as crocheting diaper covers and hats for the next upcoming holiday, in order to make sure that we do something special.

Lacey doesn’t do this for praise, though. She does it for the families of these babies who are too small or too sick to be at home. Through these photos, she gives these parents something to hold on to, brings some normalcy to a stressful situation, and gives them some fun times to look back on. 

So, for her compassion and dedication to our NICU babies and their families, I nominated Lacey Pierce for the DAISY Award.