I'm writing this on behalf of my sister and brother-in-law whose newborn son, C, was in the NICU at Community North from May 28 - June 2. Let me first share with you his diagnosis - Trisomy 13 - one that was totally unexpected and devastating, to say the least. Although they felt every nurse in the NICU truly cared about C and showed genuine compassion, a high level of expertise, and were very sympathetic to them as first-time parents being in this unimaginable and difficult situation, they quickly developed a bond with Lora Means.

Lora is the epitome of excellence in nursing. Not only was she gracious, attentive, comforting, and compassionate, but she also was a great listener, educator and counselor who became a trusted friend to these new parents. She could even interject her sense of humor when appropriate and make them laugh which they seldom did in the NICU. She went above and beyond the "call of duty" to ensure that their needs were met, as well as C's. One example I can provide is her holding and rocking C for them so they could go down the hallway to the parent room get some much-needed rest (neither wanted to leave his side for a single minute). Knowing C was with Lora put their minds at ease, and they deeply appreciated this act of kindness.

To sum it up in my daughter's words, "I just believe she is doing exactly what she should be doing". Lora is a first-rate health care professional. She is truly deserving of this special recognition!