September 2026 Honoree
Michelle Altamura, BSN, RN
I would like to recognize Michelle for the extraordinary compassion and support she provided during one of the most frightening moments of my life
I delivered my son, and shortly after birth, it was discovered that he had an indentation in his chest. He was emergently taken to the NICU, where a chest X-ray revealed that his heart was located on the right side of his chest. My husband and I were devastated. We didn't understand what this diagnosis meant, and our minds immediately went to the worst-case scenario—we feared a life of suffering for our son filled with complex cardiothoracic surgeries.
As we were trying to process everything, Michelle came into my room. I immediately recognized her as someone I had worked with in the ICU during COVID (I’m an RN at WPH). She came to my bedside simply to offer comfort. Her presence alone brought a sense of calm, but it was her words that truly changed everything.
She reassured me that my son could possibly still live a long, healthy life, and shared examples that helped. In that moment, she gave me something I desperately needed—hope.
Later, when we went to the NICU to see our son before being transferred, Michelle again sought us out. Even though my son was not her patient, she went out of her way to spend time with us, answering questions, easing our fears, and helping us process what was happening. Because of her, I was able to think more clearly and be more present for my son during a critical time.
We were later transferred for further testing, and thankfully, all results came back negative. Our son will live a normal, healthy life-with a special heart. I truly believe that Michelle's compassion and reassurance played a significant role in helping us get through those initial, overwhelming hours.
Michelle exemplifies what it means to be a nurse. Her kindness, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond for a family in crisis made an unforgettable impact on us. I will never forget what she did for our family, and I am so grateful for the comfort she provided
I delivered my son, and shortly after birth, it was discovered that he had an indentation in his chest. He was emergently taken to the NICU, where a chest X-ray revealed that his heart was located on the right side of his chest. My husband and I were devastated. We didn't understand what this diagnosis meant, and our minds immediately went to the worst-case scenario—we feared a life of suffering for our son filled with complex cardiothoracic surgeries.
As we were trying to process everything, Michelle came into my room. I immediately recognized her as someone I had worked with in the ICU during COVID (I’m an RN at WPH). She came to my bedside simply to offer comfort. Her presence alone brought a sense of calm, but it was her words that truly changed everything.
She reassured me that my son could possibly still live a long, healthy life, and shared examples that helped. In that moment, she gave me something I desperately needed—hope.
Later, when we went to the NICU to see our son before being transferred, Michelle again sought us out. Even though my son was not her patient, she went out of her way to spend time with us, answering questions, easing our fears, and helping us process what was happening. Because of her, I was able to think more clearly and be more present for my son during a critical time.
We were later transferred for further testing, and thankfully, all results came back negative. Our son will live a normal, healthy life-with a special heart. I truly believe that Michelle's compassion and reassurance played a significant role in helping us get through those initial, overwhelming hours.
Michelle exemplifies what it means to be a nurse. Her kindness, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond for a family in crisis made an unforgettable impact on us. I will never forget what she did for our family, and I am so grateful for the comfort she provided
Thank you, Michelle, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees