We received news that no parent ever wants to hear, there was concern that our son C who is 14 had a lesion in his brain. He was admitted to General Pediatrics with so much uncertainty and so much fear for C, myself, and my husband. I currently work at SFMC/CHOI and I have to say it is a totally different experience being on the other side of the bed. Just the day prior, we had been at Six Flags having a wonderful time and the day he was admitted, it felt as if our whole world had been flipped upside down. However, despite the uncertainty and the fear, there was one nurse in particular who made such a scary stay bearable and, dare I even say, pleasant. Her name is Breonna Orrick.

Bre met us as we got to the Gen Peds floor and C immediately started to perk up because of her cheerful demeanor. She has the warmest, most welcoming smile and such a positive cheerful attitude, we couldn't help but smile too, even as scared as we were. She truly spent time getting to know C, which, to a teen in a strange environment with a scary diagnosis, means the world. She inquired about things he enjoyed and truly got to know him as a whole patient and not just one more patient she had added to her assignment. Not only that, she treated him as if he was her only patient, despite having an assignment I'm sure including several others.

She was extremely attentive to his and our family's needs, she advocated for him when it came to pokes as he is an extremely hard stick, and we were so glad to see her as our nurse the next day as well. She took the time to watch a video of C playing his trumpet with him and performing in the school musical the week before and kept him smiling when we felt like we didn't have the strength to do so. She ensured pastoral care followed up with us immediately after we requested it so we could pray for C. This brought us SO MUCH PEACE! She brought us games while we waited for his MRI which helped so much to keep his and our minds off of things - including Uno and Taco Cat, and Goat Cheese Pizza, which are some of his favorites. She also spoke with me directly after patient hand off with his oncoming nurse to see what needs we had that could make things any more bearable for C and for us while we waited for what could be life changing news.

We will never forget that day as it was one of the scariest days of our lives, however, we will also never forget Bre who we truly felt was an angel sent from God to help us continue to smile and continue to be strong. C saw a sign for this award at the hospital and told me he wants to nominate Bre for a "flower award." Thank you Bre, from the bottom of our hearts for your care and compassion! You have made an impact on us that we will take with us always. Wishing you all the best in your nursing career. Our profession needs more of you!