Words simply cannot express how much Christina Oakley means to my family and me. When you think of great nursing care, you think of someone who has great communication skills, is efficient, attentive, knowledgeable, and has great bedside manners, but Christina embodies that and so much more. The level of dedication and compassion she has for her patients is truly admirable. From the moment we met, she was kind, encouraging, and warm. I knew then that it would be an honor to have her as my son's primary nurse.

My son was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation and remained in the NICU for nine months until his passing. Over the course of those nine months, Christina exceeded the call of duty. Adjusting her schedule to support him through every procedure and surgery. Even going the extra mile to dress up and help decorate his room for what we hoped would be his last but long-awaited surgery, which we celebrated by having a luau party. Having a baby in the NICU is not easy, but Christina was there to hold space for every emotion. She held us when we cried, offered hope, and cheered with us during each celebration. She, indeed, was the light in the storm.

Christina always made sure he always had everything he needed, stocking his room with supplies, advocating for him, getting him toys, or simply reading to him in the rocking chair. My son adored her, which was clear by the smile on his face each morning he’d see her. This earned her the nickname Fairy Godmother. We’re so grateful to have met her during the hardest season of our lives, and we thank her for her unwavering dedication and compassionate heart. Christina truly is a hero in our eyes, and we will forever hold a special place in our hearts for her.