September 2026 Honoree
Hannah Schmiedel, RN
Time spent in an intensive care unit is always difficult for parents. Life and death are so close together. Hope and suffering. It’s an extraordinary situation.
During this stay, we were “only” at the pediatric ICU with our daughter for one night. But sometimes even brief encounters leave a lasting impression and make a big difference.
Hannah cares for the children with confidence and competence while also involving us as parents. She explains to us—and to the little patients—what’s happening right now and what’s coming next. And I believe that alone makes a huge difference.
The most telling moment for me was when Hannah had to briefly hold my daughter in her arms because her bed needed cleaning. My daughter has become incredibly picky and skeptical after three pre-surgery procedures and many hospital stays. And yet, she didn’t just let it happen—she leaned against Hannah. Trust. That’s exactly what Hannah gave us. And that’s incredibly valuable during such a vulnerable time.
It’s been a week since that happened, and yet I still get so emotional when I think about it. Because I simply feel an incredibly deep sense of gratitude that my daughter was welcomed and cared for so lovingly after her surgery.
After a brief procedure, the mere thought that Hannah would be there was enough to calm me down. Knowing that at that moment, my daughter wasn’t just receiving the best medical care, but was also being accompanied by someone she trusts.
For me, that’s proof of genuine trust and of what a truly exceptional caregiver can make a difference.
During this stay, we were “only” at the pediatric ICU with our daughter for one night. But sometimes even brief encounters leave a lasting impression and make a big difference.
Hannah cares for the children with confidence and competence while also involving us as parents. She explains to us—and to the little patients—what’s happening right now and what’s coming next. And I believe that alone makes a huge difference.
The most telling moment for me was when Hannah had to briefly hold my daughter in her arms because her bed needed cleaning. My daughter has become incredibly picky and skeptical after three pre-surgery procedures and many hospital stays. And yet, she didn’t just let it happen—she leaned against Hannah. Trust. That’s exactly what Hannah gave us. And that’s incredibly valuable during such a vulnerable time.
It’s been a week since that happened, and yet I still get so emotional when I think about it. Because I simply feel an incredibly deep sense of gratitude that my daughter was welcomed and cared for so lovingly after her surgery.
After a brief procedure, the mere thought that Hannah would be there was enough to calm me down. Knowing that at that moment, my daughter wasn’t just receiving the best medical care, but was also being accompanied by someone she trusts.
For me, that’s proof of genuine trust and of what a truly exceptional caregiver can make a difference.
Thank you, Hannah, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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