Over the past 6-7 weeks my son has spent about 12 nights at Hemby Children's Hospital - over 3 separate visits. On his very first night, we were in the PICU after a scary event that took place during a hernia repair. Anneliese was his night nurse and from the minute she came on duty, she was an absolute angel and brought calm assertiveness to his room. She asked and listened intently regarding his pains. Gladly searched for grape popsicles and then help comfort him when nausea from standing up caused him to throw up that popsicle. She was amazing.

He got moved to the main peds floor for the 2nd night and while we had good care, there was definitely a difference and we missed Anneliese. About 10 days later, we were back on the regular peds while my son was monitored after starting some new BP meds. Who walked in that first evening - Anneliese! What a relief and joy to see her smiling demeanor ready to take care of my son for another night...and then 2 more after. More amazing and compassionate care. She engaged my son better than any other nurse so far. She made him feel comfortable and as a parent that is so important, especially in the hospital setting.

Now to his 3rd trip - my son was admitted the night before his surgery. We were greeted by a nurse, who was nice, but she was not 'his Anneliese'. He even said, "I'd like to request I have Anneliese for my night nurse." Anneliese was not on duty that night and we didn't see her the night after surgery because he was in the PICU again. Night 2 he was back on the peds floor and I saw Anneliese after coming back from grabbing something to eat. It was such a joy to see her and she was excited to see us again (even though we'd rather be home). I told her what room my son was in, just in case she should get us in her assignment. When shift change happened, who walked into his room? Anneliese! My son was overjoyed and with a BIG SMILE, he reached out from his bed and asked for a hug. She gladly obliged and seemed equally happy to be spending the evening tending to and watching over him.

For the next 4 nights, Anneliese provided amazing, compassionate, thoughtful, and engaging care. The last morning before she left, she made a point to come in and give hugs to both my son and myself. I almost wanted to cry. My son even said I don't want to leave Anneliese! That says it all! She is an absolute asset to Hemby. She is the epitome of what a peds nurse should embody. You can tell that she loves her job and was meant to be a nurse. They truly are the HEROES at the hospital. Thank you, Anneliese! We are grateful for you and your heart!