I don’t think here will ever be enough words in the encyclopedia to describe the nurses that I will list below. For months, I’ve written draft after draft of this nomination, it was difficult to put into words how grateful I am for every single one of them. To understand exactly why I nominated them and why they are deserving of this award, I’d have to explain where we came from.

My son, K, was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta a very rare disease caused by defective genes. These genes affect how the body makes collagen, a protein that helps strengthen bones. My son was given a 30-minute life expectancy. As a 22-year-old first-time parent, every day leading to delivery was extremely emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing.  Unfortunately, the hospital I delivered at was not equipped to care for his condition. At 11 days old, we were transferred to Nemours Children's Hospital.  We arrived at night, it was pitch dark, I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. When we arrived, there was a time when we were separated so I could complete paperwork. I was alone, beyond, exhausted, and hadn’t had a warm meal in the prior three days. 

Nurse Mikayla Babel would also take the time to show K extra love and leave notes.  She even took the time out to make a birthday card with K's footprints. At the time, our stay had officially reached the 2-month mark. I returned home, which is a 2-hour drive; it was the farthest I had been away from K however, I wasn’t worried because I knew he was in good hands with Nurse Mikayla.

Please know that if I could, I’d give any and everything to make sure these nurses know how much they mean to my son and me. To the nurses who receive this award, I hope you guys feel special and appreciated.  Thank you for being so caring and loving to my K, we were so lucky to meet you in this lifetime.