Being in the PICU is one of the hardest experiences a parent can endure. You’re not only navigating the fear and uncertainty of your child’s health, but also carrying the emotional weight of being in a place no child wants to be. Days stretch into what feels like weeks, and while many of the nurses we’ve had have been good, doing their jobs with professionalism, Michelle stands apart.

She went above and beyond in every sense. From the very first moments, Michelle’s confidence and competence were clear. When my daughter was seizing, Michelle stepped in with steady leadership and decisive action. I knew immediately my daughter was in capable hands. Her clinical skill, calm presence, and quick judgment alone would make Michelle worthy of a DAISY Award, but what makes her truly exceptional is what she brought beyond her medical expertise.

Michelle led with kindness. She didn’t just care for my daughter; she connected with her. She took time to gain her trust, making the countless pokes, wires, and procedures a little more bearable. My daughter listened to her, trusted her, and even drank the water she needed to because Michelle had built that bond. That trust made all the difference in moments that could have been overwhelming.

And perhaps most remarkable of all, when Michelle had no other patients or paperwork to catch up on, she chose to spend her time simply being with my daughter. She sat down and played a game with her. In a place where stress and fear so often take center stage, Michelle created space for laughter, play, and connection. It was healing in ways medicine alone cannot provide.

Michelle embodies the spirit of nursing with skill, compassion, and genuine humanity. She made an unbearable situation lighter, safer, and more hopeful. For that, I am deeply grateful.