I'm not exactly sure where to start with this, so I guess I will just share the information with you, in hopes you will pass this on to fellow employees so that the nurses and doctors will know how they will forever be embedded in our family's hearts.

Last year in October, my boyfriend and I found out we were going to be having a baby. I had just relocated here to Des Moines to start a new job, so it would be a month before my insurance would go into effect. Wanting to get things rolling and be on the safe side, I went to Broadlawns for my very first appointment. I explained to the nurse that it had been 14 years since I had been pregnant. I was completely honest, telling her that I was 9 years clean and I had always wanted a chance to do it "right" as my previous pregnancy I had used drugs. With that being said, I explained that being pregnant for me was like being pregnant for the very first time. Her name was Teresa Stevens. She was very patient and answered every little question I had. By the time my next appointment was due I could have been seen anywhere in Des Moines because my insurance was in effect. Every time I went for my check- up, I requested Theresa and every time I had lots of questions.

As the time drew near to plan my C section, my boyfriend and I asked If Teresa could be in the delivery room. On a June day in 2009, our precious boy was born. Let me tell you, the experience was so special and we will never forget those 4 days we spent in the hospital. I knew the nurses by name. They were just so kind - all of them in the birthing unit. Sure, I didn’t have a flat screen TV, but I knew what my doctors’ names were as well as my nurses’ and Teresa came and checked on us everyday. The only way I can best describe it was above and beyond.

When it was time to go, we choose Broadlawns Pediatrics Clinic for our baby’s care. I was extremely impressed with Dr. Roloff and his nurses. A couple times, I brought our baby in for maybe silly things, but they never made me feel anything but important. They were amazing. My six week postpartum check-up Teresa was there, of course, and held the baby. I stopped at the birthing unit to show off the baby and tell them “Thank you,” again.

Sadly, in September, our son passed away. 3 days after he died, I called a nurse and just told her to do me a favor and pass it on to Teresa, the birthing unit, and pediatric clinic because I just couldn't. Teresa called me back right away. I never answered. The very first people to arrive at the funeral were Teresa and Dr. Lindell. We were so honored that they would come and spend that special day with us to say goodbye to our Lil guy. That says something about a hospital when the nurse and doctor show up at your son’s funeral. I will never forget the feeling I had that day when I saw Teresa and Doctor Lindell at the funeral.

From the very first appointment I went to, Teresa showed a Kindness and non-judgmental kind of compassion that I needed. Because of that, I choose to go with Broadlawns Pediatrics, and also see John Rice, who is wonderful also. I don't at all think Broadlawns gets the credit they deserve. I received several cards from different nurses at Broadlawns, and about a month ago we received a card from Teresa saying that the room in the birthing unit was going to be dedicated in honor of our baby. WOW!!! There is a wonderful plaque outside the door. I want you to know that because of Teresa, from the very first appointment making me feel more than just a number, your team always going the extra mile. As I'm writing this, I am crying because little did any of us know the ending. I am so thankful for the birthing unit, the doctors, nurses and most of all “My Nurse."

Submitted by a patient of Broadlawns Medical Center.