When our son was placed on ECMO, we entered one of the heaviest and most terrifying chapters of our lives. In the middle of that fear, Sherri was a great support, someone who made the unbearable feel a little less impossible.

From the very first day, she didn't just care for our son; she truly saw him. Every morning, she spoke affirmations to him, reminding him how strong and brave he was and telling him that his body was doing such hard work. Hearing her speak these words brought tears to our eyes. It wasn’t routine; it was the true admiration she had for him shown in every word.

There are great nurses, and then there are nurses like Sherri. Her medical knowledge and experience were obvious, but what made the greatest difference was how she paired that skill with genuine compassion. She advocated for our son and made sure we were never left in the dark. She explained his heart condition in ways we could understand and never made us feel like a burden for asking questions. Even on the hardest days, her smile and gentle humor offered moments of light, small reminders that we could get through this.

But Sherri didn’t just care for our son; she cared for us. She checked on how we were coping. She taught us how to advocate for him and made us feel included, capable, and heard. Even in the scariest moments, she brought a sense of peace into the room, making us believe he was safe.

One of the memories that will stay with us forever happened on the day of his heart surgery, one with a success rate that left us with more fear than comfort. Sherri was his last ECMO specialist, though we didn’t know that at the time. Saying goodbye to your child before a surgery like that is something no parent is ever prepared for. As I leaned over him to say goodbye, she gave me a hug and held me up in a moment I didn’t know how I was going to get through. I couldn’t have chosen a more perfect person to be there with me, and her support is something I will never forget.

When he came out of surgery off ECMO, she was one of the first to celebrate, sharing in our joy. She guided newer nurses with patience and kindness, teaching simply by the way she showed up. Every time she walked into his room, something in us relaxed.

Sherri is one of the most remarkable people we have ever known. Her gentleness, strength, and wholehearted care changed our experience in ways words can barely express. We feel deeply grateful that she was part of our son's story.