Sarah has been phenomenal! My 11-year-old son is autistic and has had multiple GI issues through his life and we have been followed by GI at CHOP for many many years. Sarah is the first nurse to make a true connection with my son. She fist bumps him, high fives him for the little accomplishment, and even calls him a "rockstar". For an autistic child, structure, consistency, and praise are essential in maintaining as much "normalcy" as possible. Sarah has done all this and so much more!
Yesterday we were going to play Bingo but there were technical problems. Sarah took the problem solving to the next level, she called people and when that didn't work she walked my son over to the 4S playroom and helped set him up! Last night as she was leaving he had a hard time and asked, "why does she have to leave mommy why can't she just stay with me?" When Sarah informed him that she would be back for the next couple days my son clasped his hands together and shook his head with his excited pose. What Sarah doesn't realize is that this little gesture almost made this momma nurse break down and cry. I have not seen that reaction from my autistic son in over a week and earlier this week I was faced with more potential complications to his already complicated life as well as mine as a single mom. Finally, a glimmer of hope that my son was on his road to recovery! Sarah is a true DAISY Nurse and so much more! I am proud to call her a Penn colleague, thank you simply isn't enough!