She needed emergent surgery, but she didn't have anyone to take care of her child while she was to be hospitalized; the mother and child were currently residing at the homeless mission, so she did not have options or support. CPS became involved, and the only option given to the mother was that she would have to give the child over to CPS for an extended period (up to 90 days) if she did not have anyone to care for her. The mother was unwilling to give her child over to CPS as she did not trust the system.

The mother was about to leave AMA when Melissa saw the predicament and offered to care for the child until the mother was discharged. The mother agreed to this arrangement. Steps were taken for Melissa and her husband to go through the background check and home inspection that was required by CPS. All checked out, and they were approved for emergency placement. Melissa and her family took the child in for the 4-day weekend. The mother was able to get the surgery she needed, and when discharged, she reunited with her daughter. Melissa and her family have since kept in contact with the mother and plan to keep the relationship open if support is needed. This was an incredible act of kindness, and I know that Melissa made a difference in the lives of both that mother and her daughter.