“I started my stay at LAMC due to hemorrhages caused by placenta acreta and after a hard pregnancy, the day finally came to deliver my precious little girl. The morning started off with high nerves as this was not my first time becoming a mother, but I knew this experience would be different, and I was so incredibly scared for my daughter and me.

Once I was taken to the OR and the case started, I noticed a team in the corner of the room. It was the NICU staff who were prepared to take my daughter. This moment would be one I would never forget as I tried to remember the faces of the nurses and doctors present. It was quick; my daughter was brought out of my womb, and unfortunately, due to my situation, I saw her for a millisecond.

Later, when I was in recovery, the nurses wheeled me to the NICU to see her. This again broke my heart, seeing my little 34-weeker connected to so many tubes. I left the NICU crying, and every day I would visit, there was a constant reassurance from a nurse named Afhara. She would give me updates on my daughter and tell me that she loves my colostrum, which encouraged me to stay positive.

Afhara had no idea the impact she was already having on my mindset by showing compassion, and she started advocating for my daughter without even a hesitation. My daughter underwent four surgeries during her time admitted to the NICU, and our luck was that Afhara was her nurse to transport her to each and every one of them.

Afhara put our needs as parents first and gave us gentle reminders to take care of ourselves since our daughter would need us at 100% when she came home. There were very dark moments in which my anxiety was obvious, and the first one to tell me to take a walk or go eat was Afhara. She had recommended that we consider getting a primary nurse for her since she had a long journey ahead of her.

As parents, we took time to think about it and finally got the courage to ask the one nurse who was there from the start, and she kindly agreed. This moment made us realize that we were now family. She cheered our little girl on and would send us messages to let us know about her progress.

You could see her knowledge and experience shine through, and it was so clear she cared and wanted the best for our daughter. She pushed doctors to let her do OT and PT in order to keep her oral skills and pushed to extubate her after a complicated surgery because she knew she could do it. Without her, I am not sure if our daughter would have come out with a complete set of oral skills or without any other issues.

Close to our discharge date, she wanted to make sure she was on staff so she could see her out and be there for her final milestone. This is why Afhara deserves this DAISY Award. She is unlike any nurse I have dealt with before. She put patient health and the parents’ health before everything, and for this, we will be forever grateful.