My twin boys were born at 28 weeks and immediately rushed to ETCH’s NICU. Baby Boy A had a 99 day stay and Baby Boy B's was 76 days. My husband and I were fortunate enough to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House which allowed us the opportunity to visit the NICU almost every day. We met many nurses, doctors, and other employees. One nurse specifically though, changed our lives through this traumatic season.

Joyce Sherlin requested to be our boys’ primary nurse on night shift, and we are forever grateful. Joyce took us under her wings. She listened to our concerns as parents, she took the time to explain medical terminology, and she fought for us when we felt no one else would. Baby Boy A had tests run that had to be sent off to a special lab, and after weeks of no results, she took it upon herself to investigate. We had been told the lab was just behind but turns out they had never received his bloodwork. This is just one example of how she went above and beyond for our family.

Joyce comforted us on hard days and smiled with us on good ones. She was always there and dependable. She truly cared. She loved my boys like her own, and that gave us peace leaving at night knowing they were in her special care. She became family. We still think of her often and the positive impact she made on all of our lives. You, as a hospital, are blessed to have her in your NICU.