Danelle greeted us professionally and personably. She immediately sensed that we were anxious and scared about our son’s major spinal surgery. Her first priority was to reach out to our son D and touch him and talk to him (he is nonverbal and visually impaired). She had him smiling from the start, which instantly made us feel better. She asked all of her necessary questions and went through all the pre-op steps, but did it in a way that engaged us in conversation and made it a personal, family experience. We told her how exhausted we were, and she shared with us that her sibling had special needs and had recently visited at home. She spoke lovingly of her sibling and mother, but shared that providing total care for someone you live with is extremely tiring. Her genuine empathy for us was so comforting. We shared more of our story and history about D as his foster/adoptive parents. She was truly invested in D’s story, and you could just feel how much she cared. She continued through the pre/op process, keeping us informed with each step and reassuring us along the way.

The time was drawing nearer for D to go back for surgery. We asked Danelle if there was a chaplain in the pre-op area (there was not), but she said, “Are you wanting to pray?” And we said yes, and she said the 3 of us could pray together. I asked her if she could lead us in prayer. Without hesitation, she said the most personal and loving prayer for D, his surgeon, anesthesiologist, healthcare team, and our family. Then she prayed something so beautiful, she thanked God for allowing her the opportunity to “meet such a loving and caring family and most special little boy and how she felt blessed by the experience of meeting us."

She hugged us when we needed it, talked to D, and held his hand. Danelle took an extraordinary amount of time with us to help us through a very difficult, early morning. We knew she was busy, but she never let us feel like there was anyone else who mattered more than D and us. In closing, she praised us for the love and care we have for our son and provided reassurance for strength to get through the coming days. My husband and I were incredibly moved by the professional and caring experience we had with Danelle. She is an extraordinary nurse and embodies everything that being a nurse is all about. Please help us to recognize her outstanding commitment to her profession.