Mary was truly a Godsend when my daughter was in the NICU. I can't say enough good things about the care that she gave both my daughter and me. As a former Lactation Nurse, she was constantly asking me if I was eating, drinking, and resting enough, even though my baby was really her patient. She allowed me to pump next to my baby's isolette, play music, sing, even sleep, just so I could be closer to my baby, as I wasn't allowed to hold her for the first week of her life. I remember asking the doctor when I would be allowed to hold my baby, and he told me to ask Mary, since she was in charge.

When I finally was able to hold my daughter, Mary took the picture, which is still one of my favorite pictures of that time period. She was constantly reminding me to wash my hands so that I didn't infect the baby with anything, and yet was so helpful in teaching me how to take care of a preemie, since my first-born was not a preemie. She encouraged me through the 17 days of our NICU time and reminded me that I was still healing from my horrid experience of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She kept on me to recover so that when my daughter was ready to come home, I could focus on her. In fact, at least once, Mary actually told me to go home and rest when I was pushing myself and running ragged.

She and I shared a love of the Muppets one day, and on her day off, Mary went all over the county looking for Muppet fabric. She actually sewed us a Kermit baby blanket, which is something I will treasure forever. She is a joyful person who obviously loves her job. I observed her teaching other nurses and helping them take care of their NICU patients. Mary Ann Wolpert is the most deserving nurse of a DAISY Award I have ever met.