I was at SV in July of 2022 to deliver my first child. From the moment that Melissa's shift began, I instantly felt relieved and much more comfortable. I had been in terrible pain all night. Melissa stepped in right away and made a call to anesthesia to adjust my epidural. This made a world of difference almost instantly. My labor did not go as planned. I was scared, terrified even. Melissa was the only reason I was able to stay remotely calm. She did not leave my side ALL DAY! At one point, I was begging her to take her lunch break! She went above and beyond in all aspects of our care. I truly feel like I would not have survived without her! My husband and I have talked about Melissa and her calmness, grace, friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness every single day since we left Stormont 3 weeks ago.  As a nurse practitioner myself, I am simply blown away by Melissa. She is one of the best nurses I have had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you so much, Melissa. I truly could not have done it without you!

***

I would like to recognize Melissa for the exceptional service she provided to my family during the most difficult day of our lives. My wife was 35 weeks pregnant and sent from Fort Riley to Stormont Vail by ambulance in April of 2023 at approximately 4:00am after determining her water had broken and she was going to be delivering a premature baby. I am an active-duty service member and was unable to identify anyone to look after my 2-year-old son so that I could make the drive to be with at Stormont Vail. I received a phone call from my wife not long after her arrival to Stormont Vail, where she informed me that the nurse (Melissa) would begin inducing the labor and that Melissa had made special accommodations so that I could be there for my wife and also care for my son. After receiving that call, I hesitantly made my way to Stormont Vail with my son, completely unsure of what to expect. 

I was immediately put to ease upon arrival. My wife and I still cannot believe how well Melissa treated us for those next 12 hours. Melissa immediately made us feel at home, all while providing expert medical care to my wife. She provided a thorough explanation of what was happening with my wife and proficiently answered any questions we had. The way Melissa conveyed the information to us immediately elevated our confidence and somehow brought bliss into the room. My wife and I would remain optimistic; it felt like we were supposed to be there that day. 

Melissa had brought plenty of snacks and even a bag of toys for our son. She would continue to distribute them to him throughout the entire day. She somehow ensured he remained entertained, thus keeping him behaving as the labor went on and the baby became closer to delivery. Her method of "toy delivery" was striking in the sense that the toys progressively were enhanced to where our son would be completely engaged with playing. Our son would begin the day with a coloring book and finish the evening with dinosaurs, racecars, a Spiderman book, and a light up bouncy ball. At no time did my wife or I think our son was a burdon or unwanted in that delivery room.

My wife and I will never forget the care that Melissa provided for our family during the day that started as the most unexpected, frightful, and confusing but ended as the most hopeful, thankful, and joyous. I wish that all women, to include my healthy baby girl, are blessed with a nurse like Melissa when their day comes for them to bring life into the world.