Our son has been part of the UnityPoint Pediatric system since he was just over a year old, and now at six, he’s already navigated a lifetime of challenges with the support of an incredible team of caregivers. From the very beginning, our nursing team has been a guiding light—helping us through the complexities of foster care and adoption and providing expert, compassionate care during some of our darkest hours. Their unwavering support and dedication to our son's medical needs have been a constant source of strength, and we will forever be grateful for all they've done for our family.

A little over a year ago, we found ourselves facing a transition. One of our long-time nurses had moved to another role within UnityPoint, and our other nurse had decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. As we searched for the right person to step into this crucial role, something unexpected happened—our son’s classroom para, Aimee, came forward, expressing interest in joining our care team. At that moment, I knew something truly special was about to unfold. Not just for our son, but for our entire family. Aimee had stepped away from her nursing career, but the skills, dedication, and heart she brought to her work were immediately apparent. From the very first day, she was everything we needed and more. Loyal, tenacious, diligent, and incredibly intelligent, Aimee showed up to work every day with a bright smile and an eagerness to be part of the larger team supporting our son. She quickly became an invaluable part of that team, understanding not just her role but also how all the other pieces of his care fit together. She collaborated seamlessly with his special education team, occupational and speech therapists, and his general education teachers to make sure every day was a success. Aimee was there, not just as a nurse, but as an advocate for our son, helping him navigate all the moving parts of his care and ensuring he had the best possible experience.

One of the biggest challenges my husband and I face as working parents is knowing that our son’s needs are met while we’re away. We need someone who can provide the same level of care and attention we would give him ourselves. With Aimee on shift, we no longer have to worry. We know she’s got everything under control—whether it’s making the right calls in the moment, managing his day-to-day needs, or knowing when it’s necessary to reach out to us. She contacts us sparingly, and only when it’s truly important, which gives us peace of mind and the ability to focus on our work. But what truly sets Aimee apart is how she makes his days so much more than just “care.” She makes them fun. Rather than treating him as just another patient, she treats him as a valued member of his care team—someone whose questions, thoughts, and feelings matter. Our son is full of questions about his medications, his treatments, and the next steps in his care. Aimee answers each one with patience, kindness, and understanding. She also helps him navigate the harder, more difficult questions about why he’s treated differently in certain spaces and how he can move through the world with confidence despite those differences. When Aimee is on shift, I know our son will not only be well cared for, but he will have the best day possible. And for my husband, myself, and our family, that means everything. Aimee isn’t just part of our son’s medical team—she’s an integral part of our family’s journey, and the impact she has made in our lives is beyond measure.