​Mackenzie deserves The DAISY Award for more reasons than we could put into words. She has a heart of gold and not only cares deeply for her patients but their families as well. One example of Mackenzie going above and beyond was when my son's OT had to leave early for the day and she knew he would not have received his services that day. She emailed the OT and asked what we could practice on our own. Mackenzie helped us practice tummy time and some simple stretches. Sitting at the bedside all day (every day), can feel long and helpless, especially when therapy is being missed. Practicing tummy time helped me feel involved and that we were being proactive with his care.

Another time Mackenzie has our Sweet Baby J was when my husband and I left for the weekend to attend a family event. This was the first night that we were not local to Philadelphia to be with J. We were a wreck being so far away and were trying so hard to make the best of my brother's wedding. His grandparents came to sit with him while we were gone and Mackenzie welcomed my son's grandparents with open arms during visiting hours. She showed them the routine of daily life in the NICU and included them in care, such as changing his diaper. She talked to them about anything and everything.

When I called (multiple times) to check in on J, Mackenzie answered the phone each time with the same enthusiasm and reassured us that J was safe and stable. Even though I still slept with the volume on high in case there was an emergency, I actually slept. I really do contribute sleeping to knowing Mackenzie had my baby for the night.

Even on days when we don't have Mackenzie, she stops in to check on J and on us. She helps with feeding changes while our nurse is assisting other patients. She gets extra sheets so J has them when we go to change the crib. Drops off his medication from the med room. Little things that she does adds up to make Mackenzie the amazing nurse she is. Mackenzie, thank you for being a bright light in a windowless NICU.