Our son came to the CNMC NICU on the day of his birth. He was born with a rare genetic disorder that caused many physical abnormalities and difficulties. We got to know Maria during our son's first week of life and she was a Godsend to our family. Her clinical skills are exceptional, but it is her willingness and ability to care for our entire family that inspired us to nominate her for the DAISY Award. Maria connected with us on a personal level and helped us through many difficult days with encouraging words and actions. She was a champion for our son's care and an advocate for our family. She always listened to our opinions and ideas and made sure they were heard by our medical team.
At our darkest time, the day our son passed away, Maria was willingly by our side making sure our son had the most peaceful hours of his life as he left this world. She cried with us and provided us the support that we so desperately needed. She cared for our son as she would her own child and her devotion to our family's well being left an indelible mark. Our son could not have asked for a more loving and amazing nurse and woman to care for him and neither could we. We are honored to now call her more than a nurse, a friend. We proudly nominate her for this award, of which she is profoundly deserving.