Cheri Williams, BSN, RN

Cheri Williams, a night nurse in NICU 1, cared for our twin boys during one of the most overwhelming and emotional times of our lives. After a traumatic and unexpected early delivery, I was struggling physically and completely overwhelmed emotionally. I felt disconnected from my babies and unsure how to process everything happening around me while they were in the NICU. Cheri didn’t just care for our boys — she cared for our entire family.
One night, in the middle of her shift, she took the time to truly connect with both me and my husband. She could see that I was struggling, and instead of just doing her job and moving on, she stepped in with compassion and intention. She gently encouraged and supported us in doing skin-to-skin contact with our boys for the very first time — something I was emotionally unsure I was ready for. That moment changed everything. Holding our babies for the first time in that way, in the quiet of the night, helped me begin to connect with them as their mother. It gave me a sense of peace, purpose, and strength that I desperately needed. I truly believe that moment not only helped our boys continue to progress physically, but it also played a huge role in my own healing — both physically and emotionally. It gave me the push I needed to keep going.
Cheri went far beyond what is expected of a nurse. This is not just a job to her — she genuinely cares about each child and each parent she supports. She forms meaningful connections and meets families exactly where they are, especially in their most vulnerable moments. If it weren’t for Cheri, I honestly don’t know where my family would be today. The impact she had on us will stay with us forever.