My son was born and though we were released to go home we had to quickly return after his bilirubin levels came back dangerously high. My son was admitted to the Overlake NICU and underwent light therapy until his release two days later.

As a first-time mom, there are many things that you expect and don't expect when preparing for your child's birth, but nothing could have prepared me for the anxiety and trauma that I felt and the compassion and support the NICU staff gave to me, my husband, and my son.

Though all of the staff was wonderful, Kim felt like an angel in disguise that came just when we needed her. I never felt like she rushed through her time with our son, she freely gave feeding and other parent advice, and patiently answered all of my questions. She kept such a calm demeanor throughout her shift and made me feel calm in return. I could really feel how much she cared about my son's well-being. She had a special touch not only with him, but also with our family.

She helped us through a very difficult period in our lives and weeks after my son's release I would tell my husband "Kim did it like this" or "Kim said that". She taught us so much in such a short time period.

I mentioned to her that she should be giving classes on feeding babies and she laughed and thanked me, but honestly, as time has gone on I only feel that more and more.

Kim was so kind, so patient, and such a wealth of knowledge that I can't help but think of her anytime I talk about my son's health. She exemplifies all that Overlake Hospital strives to be and I'm sure that if every hospital staff had 5% of that special kindness and care that Kim does the world would be a much better place.

I truly hope she is rewarded a million times over for the difference she made in our lives. I'll never take it for granted and I'll never forget it.