It took me 2 years to submit this nomination. All my nurses were fantastic, knowledgeable, and compassionate! I wish I could nominate them all and thank each one individually without looking like a hot mess of emotions and gratitude.

However, Leeann is a special breed of nurse. I was a high-risk pregnancy with multiple admissions and ended up with a complicated delivery experience. I was unable to be awake for my daughter's delivery, 4 days after being admitted. Leeann stayed over her very long shift of caring for a complex patient (me) to hold my hand as I went to sleep. My family could not be with me, and she stayed. The L&D team saved my life and my baby's life. She took my concerns seriously and gave the support and education I needed. After a second procedure, she cleaned me up and comforted my new little family. As a grown woman, and nurse who had always been pretty private, nothing quite makes you humble or vulnerable, as needing someone else to help you take care of yourself. Leeann helped make my story one of gratitude for nurses who care about not only the outcomes and interventions but also the experience of the patient.

Thank you, Leeann, for your dedication in being a skilled nurse but for your compassion for women and families that do not get a storybook delivery. I am eternally grateful for my experience and the silver lining that so many others do not get.