I was admitted to Kettering Main Campus, and I was fortunate to have Lisa Elliott as one of my nurses. The care she displayed then went above and beyond in the way she talked with me, prayed with me when I requested her to and provided me comfort and courage during a truly heartbreaking situation of potentially losing my son. I was sent home after a few days.

Then the worst happened: I went into labor and returned to the hospital. Lisa was once again the first face I saw. She greeted me with kindness and efficiency, and she helped me get comfortable, figure out what was happening, and alert the doctors of my needs. Lisa was with me while I delivered my sweet baby. She informed me of what that process would look like and promised to stay by my side. She was encouraging as I was terrified to deliver my son, whom I knew would not live long earth-side; she was attentive to my needs and then, most importantly, attentive to his. Once the baby was delivered, she compassionately scooped him up and wrapped him in warm blankets, kept checking his little heart rate, ran and got a size-appropriate hat made for him, and helped provide strength during such a vulnerable time. She even came to the operating room with me and knelt on the floor, providing me comfort when I had to have a procedure, and I was overwhelmed and scared.

After my son passed, Lisa made sure to get his footprints for me, arranged for a photographer to come in and take my most cherished photos, and have concrete molds made. She then was there to assist me in getting my hair brushed and showered and helped me navigate the grief I was feeling. She was truly a pillar in some of the hardest days of my life, providing a bright smile, knowledge, grace, prayer, and peace for me. I can’t put into words how truly meaningful Lisa was as my nurse, but I hope she knows. I think of her and her compassion every single day.