We would like to recognize Hannah Dillon for the incredible care she gave to our son over the course of his 11-month cancer treatment, amputation, and recovery.

We met Hannah the night our son collapsed in the Emergency Room. He was newly diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, was one week into chemotherapy, had a fever, and was weak, tired, and scared. When we were finally brought to a room around 2 am, Hannah was waiting. She was confident, caring, and calm, and he immediately relaxed. She even had sheets on the cot for me - something that I was so grateful for.

Hannah's calm, steady confidence, humor, and kindness made an overwhelming experience feel more manageable. Hannah has a way of connecting not just with patients, but with entire families, and the bond she's built with our son is something truly special.

From the very beginning of his treatment, Hannah has stood out-not just to us as parents, but to our son. She wasn't just his nurse; she's his favorite nurse, and that title wasn't earned lightly. Hannah brought an extraordinary level of empathy, patience, and humor to every interaction, but more than that, she truly sees her patients. Our son is an old soul - we call him a 70-year-old in a 12-year-old's body - and is not someone who easily lets people in. During that first admission to Lurie Children's oncology floor, she remarked to me that "he's an old soul, isn't he"? That level of intuitive understanding is rare and speaks to her ability to read patients and individualize care.

Hannah earned his trust in a way that few ever have. She noticed the little things -like the way he could taste every saline flush-and one morning he woke up to find a baggie of Jolly Ranchers and a note from her explaining they were to help with the taste. On tough days, she'd leave him handwritten notes to lift his spirits. Even when she wasn't assigned to his care, she'd stop by just to say hi. Every time she walked into the room, he lit up. She is the sole medical professional who has earned that reaction.

In countless quiet, thoughtful ways, Hannah made sure he felt safe, understood, and never alone- something that means everything during a prolonged cancer battle. Over his 11-month treatment, we were in the hospital every two weeks, for 2 and 5-day chemotherapy admissions, fever-related stays, multiple surgeries related to his amputation, and infections. Without fail, he would look forward to seeing Hannah and ask about her. Now, post-treatment, he still talks about her. She has left a permanent mark on his heart.

Hannah's ability to see and treat the whole person was extraordinary. She respected our son's voice in his own care, no matter how young he was, and she never overlooked the emotional weight he carried. She spoke to him, not around him, and always made sure he felt seen and heard. Helping Carter retain his dignity and earning his trust can't be taught-it's a reflection of who she is.

As parents, we always felt an overwhelming sense of relief knowing Hannah was part of our son's team. Her clinical skill is matched by her kindness, her humor, and her unfailing support not just for him, but for us as a family. She listened without judgment, answered every question with care, and found ways to make him smile even in the hardest moments. When he told her he had decided to have his leg amputated instead of choosing radiation, she talked with him, and he woke the next morning to a handwritten card letting him know how strong and brave he was.

There are many incredible nurses in the oncology unit, but Hannah is truly one-of-a-kind. Her dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on our son's journey, and for that, we are endlessly grateful. 

A note from our son:

 Thank you, Hannah, for being the best nurse ever and for noticing that I didn't want to be treated just as a kid. Thanks for the treats to help with the horrible taste of flushes. The jokes about the elevator rivalries between floors still make me laugh. Thank you for taking care of me.