May 2026 Honoree
Susie Park, BSN, RN
I would like to commend Susie Park for the profound compassion and support she showed me during the most devastating moment of my life.
My son, L, was in the PICU and passed away. It has taken me some time to be able to put this into words, but I knew I needed to recognize Susie for what she did for me that day.
Susie was not one of L’s primary nurses, but in the moment that mattered most, she stepped in and became exactly who I needed. When the time came for me to let my son go, Susie was there beside me. She held my hand as I made the unimaginable decision to take him off life support.
In that moment, nothing else mattered except the presence, compassion, and humanity of the people around me…and Susie gave me all of that. She didn’t rush me, she didn’t make me feel alone, and she didn’t treat it like just another part of her job. She stood with me in my grief, steady and supportive, and helped me get through something I never thought I would survive.
What she did may seem like a small gesture to some, but to me, it meant everything. Holding my hand in that moment gave me strength when I had none left. It reminded me that I was not alone as I said goodbye to my son.
I will never forget Susie. Her kindness, her presence, and her compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. She embodies the true meaning of nursing.
My son, L, was in the PICU and passed away. It has taken me some time to be able to put this into words, but I knew I needed to recognize Susie for what she did for me that day.
Susie was not one of L’s primary nurses, but in the moment that mattered most, she stepped in and became exactly who I needed. When the time came for me to let my son go, Susie was there beside me. She held my hand as I made the unimaginable decision to take him off life support.
In that moment, nothing else mattered except the presence, compassion, and humanity of the people around me…and Susie gave me all of that. She didn’t rush me, she didn’t make me feel alone, and she didn’t treat it like just another part of her job. She stood with me in my grief, steady and supportive, and helped me get through something I never thought I would survive.
What she did may seem like a small gesture to some, but to me, it meant everything. Holding my hand in that moment gave me strength when I had none left. It reminded me that I was not alone as I said goodbye to my son.
I will never forget Susie. Her kindness, her presence, and her compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. She embodies the true meaning of nursing.
Thank you, Susie, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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