Sofia’s nursing career began over 25 years ago, and she has touched many lives, but this event is unlike any other. She was on an overnight shift when a family was involved in an MVA. The father sustained minor injuries while the mother’s injuries were moderate, but their 11-month-old son suffered life-threatening injuries. The infant was taken to OR emergently while his mother remained in the ACMC ED. Prior to the baby going to OR, Sofia was able to communicate to his parents, who were Spanish-speaking refugees. She kept them informed on his plan of care, answering as many questions as they could ask during such a frightening time.

Upon the toddler’s arrival to the PICU, the team knew this patient would not survive. The patient’s father was present, but his mother remained in the ED. As the team continued to care for the patient, Sofia went back to the ED to update the patient’s mother and check on her. The team arranged for the mother to be brought to the PICU so she could see her son. With the help of many, the mother was transported to the PICU and her cart maneuvered into her son’s room. Sofia had formed a special bond with this family and didn’t leave the bedside. As the baby started to display signs of herniation, Sofia made sure the parents understood what was occurring, updating them. It was the team’s goal to make sure Mom got to hold her baby before he passed. Sofia made sure to explain to Mom and assisted with how to best position herself to hold her baby with her fractures and limitations. It was during this special time that the mom was able to speak intimately to her son, hoping and praying that it would not be their final moments together. The baby could no longer sustain and the decision to withdraw care was made. Sofia heard the parents saying in Spanish that they were afraid and didn’t want to hear the monitor “flatline” after he passed. She explained to them that wouldn’t happen. The parents made the difficult decision to leave prior to withdrawing care, and the mom had to return to the ED, as she would be admitted.

Before leaving, they asked Sofia if someone would be with him when he passed. Sofia assured Mom that he would not be alone and that she would hold him, and he would not be in any pain. Sofia found a beautiful blanket and sat, holding the baby, stroking his little hand, making his passing as peaceful as possible. In their time of need, she was an angel on earth to this patient and his family. For this, she is so very deserving of a DAISY Award.