At 20 weeks gestation, my daughter and her husband received the devastating news that their son had been diagnosed with a posterior encephalocele. Prognosis was deemed "incompatible with life". The two were told it was a high risk pregnancy and were referred to a variety of different caregivers. A trying, emotional roller coaster began. The kids were then told that delivery needed to take place at Aurora Sinai, not our hospital, not our doctor. A stressful thought. After being admitted for a scheduled induced breech delivery, Wendy was the first nurse to take care of my daughter. Her easy going pleasant demeanor set the kids at ease immediately! She was constantly smiling and always encouraging. Wendy and Kayla explained every step, even clued the kids in on potential progression. She laughed with them most of that day! She and my daughter became friends quickly.

At 1900, Wendy was relieved by her "friend" Kayla Wisniewski (another outstanding caregiver). She did ask Kayla to text her when it was close to delivery, because she wanted to be there for the birth. Kayla updated Wendy throughout the night and was a constant source of comfort and support.

My grandson was not expected to survive delivery. However, our little fighter did! Delivery was a very emotional and exhausting experience for all involved; not knowing what he would look like, not knowing if or how long he would live was stressful and draining. He was born at 0230. NICU team there, assessments, episiotomy repair, visitors wanting to meet him before he passed.

At 0430, on her day off, after only a few hours of sleep, Wendy came back to meet my grandson and support his mom and dad and our entire family. She cried with us, laughed with us and prayed with us. The following day was spent relishing every moment that we were blessed with him. Kayla and Wendy visited again (day off) they brought flowers, chocolate and a lovely card.

My husband and I were able to speak with Wendy alone that day. She was so encouraging. She assured us that our daughter was receiving the best care! At about 930, he took his last breath in his mother's arms, with dad and loved ones with him. Even now, a year later, it is hard to recall all the details. But Wendy was there, comforting, encouraging, just sharing moments.

Again that day, my husband and I were able to have some one-on-one time with Wendy. We discussed arrangements, what was to happen next. It was at the meeting that Wendy broke down in tears. She admitted that every time she left our daughter's room, she cried. She said that she was moved by our daughter and son-in-law's strength and faith and how our family confirmed her choice of a career.

The following day, when my daughter was released to go home, it was a very hard day. Leaving meant finalizing what had happened. Wendy knew this was a life changing experience. Questions like, "if we go home without him, will it be like he was never born?"

As she was wheeled down the hall to the exit, Wendy slowed the wheel chair and made a phone call. As they were walking out the door, Wendy had arranged for the baby chimes to play! This was a very minor detail that was overlooked during delivery due to the urgency of the birth. This was a major detail that emotionally solidified our baby boy. It meant the world to our entire family.

Wendy and Kayla have kept in touch with my daughter and her husband, continuing the empathy and concern for their well-being. What was a heartbreaking experience was transformed into a beautiful celebration of life. The care, concern, empathy and clinical quality that Kayla and Wendy and the entire team displayed went well beyond anything we could have hoped for.

For this reason, Kayla and Wendy deserve the DAISY Award. They have been given an incredible gift!