Cheryl's compassion and leadership stood out to me. My infant daughter was readmitted to the hospital after we had been sent home. Like many parents of newborns, I was second-guessing myself and worried for my daughter. Cheryl reassured what I was doing as a parent was right and that it was not my fault she was readmitted. She calmed my fears and tears and helped us through the night. Also, during the night, a tornado warning happened. She demonstrated great leadership when she got us all quickly moved to a safe space. I appreciate how quickly she took control of the situation and was able to organize and move several women who had just recently given birth, their partners, and newborns. It was quite the operation and she made it look easy even though I know it was anything but easy! 

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Two years ago, I went into labor. Although I had a very smooth labor physically and medically, it was very hard emotionally. My mother accompanied me and stayed with me throughout my entire labor, but I couldn’t help but feel so unbelievably alone. Cheryl demonstrated tough love at the beginning. She knew I was strong. Once my feelings started to take over, Cheryl became my best friend that entire night. She was loyally by my side every second. She held my hand, hugged me, wiped my tears, stroked my hair, and talked me through one of the hardest and most painful moments in my life. I know I couldn’t have done it without her.

Cheryl inspired me to become a nurse myself. Because of her, I will be graduating as an LPN in December 2022. I hope I can grow to be as loving, dedicated, and compassionate as her.