When my child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, we were both awake for more than 24 hours. When she finally fell asleep, and I was able to have a moment of weakness, I completely broke down and cried. Maryellen O'Connell was there as a friend for me when I really needed one. Then she even did the impossible and made me laugh when she brought me my coffee creamer in a breast milk container and said, "I swear this isn't what it looks like...it's just pumpkin munchkin!" She deserves so much recognition for her empathy, which I'm sure she shows everyone.