We first met nurse Samantha Koch in the pediatric emergency room, as my daughter was in DKA and initially diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Nurse Sam immediately introduced herself to us and made us feel safe. As we stayed in the hospital for a few days, we interacted with Sam several times, and each time, she was kind and caring and made my 8-year-old smile (a hard task with such a new, life-changing diagnosis). She quickly became a preferred nurse for my daughter (and me!). Sam fielded a few calls to pediatric endo as we transitioned home with questions about carb ratios, med changes, etc. She was attentive, caring, and thorough with her support each time. A few weeks passed, and we were given a continuous blood glucose monitor (CGM). We were able to have a Zoom appointment with Sam (as requested by my daughter) to help us put the monitor on for the first time. She was patient, calming, and super supportive again.

With a new change in CGM placement, Sam made herself available to Zoom with us again to provide emotional support for my daughter. When we came in for our two-month endocrinology check-up, Sam came to the office to check in with my daughter. She brought her a cookbook and stickers, but her presence and attention were what made the day for my daughter. In passing, my daughter mentioned a diabetes book she was interested in. Not two days later, Sam mailed the book and a few others to our home with a personal note for my daughter. The caring and support that Sam has provided have been above and beyond what we expected. Samantha Koch has helped to make a challenging diagnosis and adjustments a bit easier for my daughter and our family. She has gone out of her way to meet her needs, and it is very much appreciated.

Nurses like Sam are invaluable to the overall well-being of a patient. Not only has she attended to physical needs, but she has spent extra time and energy to ensure that my daughter's socioemotional needs were also met. This is outstanding service and care. We need more people like Nurse Sam, not only at Strong, but in our world.