We were in the NICU for 7 months before moving up to the PCU. My son received a G-Tube with a Fundo and an inguinal hernia repair on one side in July and his Trach and another hernia repair in August. I'll start with the biggest impact Lauren had first. As we prepared for J's trach surgery, I was extremely concerned. He had a terrible lymph reaction to the g-tube surgery and the whole team was worried he'd have the same reaction with his trach. We were focused on this. Lauren seemed concerned but believed all would be ok. Lauren was our nurse often and we truly bonded. She knew J inside and out, and this led to her finding that he had another inguinal hernia. I hadn't even been on the lookout for something like that due to the fact I was so focused on his breathing and the trach. No one else found it. She told the team they needed to do an ultrasound. And sure enough, she was right. They would add the hernia repair during the trach surgery. I am unbelievably grateful for this attentiveness on her part. She saved us from yet another surgery. We could have been stuck in the hospital for another month because of this. I would have been devastated to find this out after the trach. I tear up thinking about how much suffering, distress and family tension she saved us. She truly is a hero.
This story is just one example of how she helped us. She not only cared for my son but she became his advocate beside me. She bonded with our entire family and checked in on him even when she was not his primary nurse. I consider her a member of our forever team.
I wanted to recognize her a long time ago, but I didn't get a chance since we returned home and life here has been a bit chaotic but amazing. Lauren and the nursing team at CHOP saved his life. They were my lifelines, my rocks, and my friends. I am eternally grateful for the love and knowledge she gave us. I hope CHOP recognizes what an invaluable resource she is and I cannot wait to see who far she can go. Lauren is our hero!