My 12-year-old son was experiencing flu-like symptoms for about a week with fevers ranging from 101-105 degrees. All of a sudden he started breaking out into a rash and started to get swollen lymph nodes. I rushed him to the ER and they admitted him to the pediatric unit for observation. The next day he started to decline rapidly! Profusely vomiting, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure. He was rushed to the PICU where he was diagnosed with MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children). This diagnosis is related to COVID-19 and is very new. The physicians are still learning about it themselves. Immediately they consulted with U of M Mott Children's Hospital. A PICC line was put in and ECMO was discussed as a precautionary measure. This disease attacked his heart and I was informed that it was only functioning at 35%. They started him quickly on a medication regimen and monitored him around the clock for any slight changes. Labs were drawn often to check his infection levels and decide on treatment measures. Echocardiograms were done daily to monitor heart function and changes. My son was scared!

There was one nurse in particular that my son will never forget, Laura Allard! She works for Ascension and is also a flight nurse! She talked to K on "his level" and spoke to him about boy things and different things that he liked! Distracted him from what was going on around him and made him feel like they were just "hanging out" as friends! She talked to him about her helicopter and put the stress that he had at ease. The glow that he had on his face when she walked into the room during the scariest time of his life said a million words! They made jokes with one another and laughed! They talked about the hospital food and especially the green Jell-O! That was their own personal joke! As a mom, I wasn't sure what his outcome would be but seeing him be "himself" when he was the farthest from that allowed me to step back from the worry and take a breath of relief. Without the positivity and enlightenment that she surrounded him with, he could have been in a different state with a different outcome! Not only was she there for him she put my mind at ease about anything I had concerns about!

Anyone can get a degree and call themselves a nurse but exhibiting compassion and a true understanding of what a patient needs is different for each patient! Laura has compassion, dedication, loyalty, and personalization that no one can compete with! She is the best of the best and should be noticed for the true dedication and commitment that she gives to her patients! I can not express my gratitude in a way that would even seem enough for her!! She will be remembered forever and I will be forever grateful to her!!

Note: This is Laura's 2nd DAISY Award!