Maria's unit had a long term patient that had suffered a brain injury and would be spending his birthday at the hospital.

She bought birthday decorations and hats. Although she wasn't scheduled to work on his birthday, she came in at 5 a.m. to quietly decorate his room while he and his mother slept.

"When he woke up, his room was totally decorated," said his mother. "It was awesome and very, very sweet of her."