My baby was born with complications, and he was moved to the NICU immediately after birth. I didn't realize how serious his condition was at the time, but as I reflect now, I realize how much Breen did to support me. From the start, Breen was so kind, and for a moment, I really felt like everything would be okay. I was moved to a maternity room that was in the far corner, probably so that I was away from other families and babies and maybe I wouldn't notice the absence of my own baby as much. She taught me how to use the breast pump machine in a way that felt totally normal, like that's what I should be doing rather than feeding my baby directly.

It was after her first shift, later that night, that we finally learned of my son's condition, and he was transferred to another hospital in critical care. I hadn't been discharged yet, so it was a very difficult night. Breen returned the next morning and made sure she did everything she could to help me get discharged so I could spend as much time with my son before he passed. She spoke with doctors, specialists, and many other people so that I could be cleared to leave. She even walked me down to the lab for bloodwork, and as she was leaving, she saw that I was waiting to be called, and she marched into the lab and demanded I be seen next!

My son ultimately didn't survive, but my husband and I were fortunate enough to spend some time with him before he passed. If I could, I wish I could let Breen know how grateful we are for her. We were able to hold our son, take photos, read, and even change his diaper (dad's first diaper change ever!) because of everything Breen did for us. She truly went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, even when I didn't know I needed it. This was the most difficult thing we've ever had to experience, but if it were not for Breen, we wouldn't have been able to have those special moments with our baby boy. We'll cherish those memories forever, and I hope Breen knows just how much that means to us.