Melinda went above and beyond while caring for our 12-year-old daughter, who was pronounced brain dead. She talked to her while in the room and told her goodbye each evening. She was extremely compassionate. She kept me informed during procedures and walked me through each step. She allowed me to grieve and assured me my feelings were valid. She was not only there for my daughter but also for me, my husband, my son, and my mother. She held me while I cried and listened to my anger. She helped me wash my daughter's hair and allowed me to lay with my daughter whenever I wanted. She heard me say my daughter doesn’t smell like herself because she always wears perfume, so she obtained lotion and let me put it on her warm body. If I had a question she could not answer, she found the answers promptly. She helped facilitate child life specialists speaking to my 10-year-old son and made certain the therapy dogs came to see him. Melinda made certain I was eating and taking care of myself, even when I didn’t want to. She made certain that a food cart was brought in so the family didn’t have to leave the bedside. She presented facts and was not biased when I asked how she felt about organ donation. She made me feel as though whatever decision I made, was the right one. She went above and beyond each day. I could never repay her for the care, compassion, and generosity during the worst time of my life.​

Note: This is Melinda's 2nd DAISY Award!