We are approaching the one-year anniversary of when we met Kyleigh Overbey. Our then 1-year old son, B, was admitted via the emergency room for a septic hip. He needed emergency hip surgery. When the team came to transport my son to surgery, someone noticed that the arm where his IV was placed was swollen. They pulled the IV and sent him down for surgery.

Post-surgery, Kyleigh was one of our nurses. B's arm where the IV extrav occurred was getting more and more swollen. Kyleigh requested the ortho team come and check his arm several times. B's arm continued to swell, increasing our concern. Kyleigh’s concern was also increasing. As parents who had never been through any major medical issues yet with our kids, “we didn’t know what we didn’t know”. Many team members kept saying, “Oh, it’s okay. It’s just from the extrav.” But it was not okay. B’s arm was getting worse and, thankfully, Kyleigh was not accepting anyone’s answer. She called the entire floor of nurses into our room to check on B’s arm. I don’t recall how many individuals came and checked B’s arm and said it was going to be ok. Kyleigh remained determined to find us an answer and was a true advocate for B. I could not be more thankful for her determination to find an answer and get B’s arm the proper attention that it needed. Without her help, I honestly do not know what would have happened to his arm. (He ultimately needed several surgeries on his arm due to an infection).

Kyleigh is kind, fast working, determined, transparent, and helpful in explaining complex medical issues. We were at Lurie for a few weeks’ time, and looking back, we know all nurses are not created equal. Kyleigh’s a true patient advocate and her care shows that she loves what she does and will always put the patient first, even when faced with adversity. These merits are not taught in school, these are irreplaceable and truly admirable qualities that set Kyleigh apart and make her well a true DAISY Nurse.

Kyleigh, I was able to thank you in person, but I would like to do so here as well. Thank you for fighting for my son. Thank you for not backing down and accepting the answer from others. You pushed on until we were able to get B the proper attention. And I truly believe you saved my son’s arm from what was nearly a debilitating injury. Thank you for being genuine, kind, and approachable during what was a very scary time for our family. I know this nomination comes late but you are thought of often and I hope you continue caring for other children in your career as you did for our son, B. We will never forget you and remain forever grateful for the care you provided.