Jenna Matteo
March 2025
Jenna
Matteo
,
BSN, RN
NICU
Nemours Children's Health
Wilmington
,
DE
United States
When I opened Angel Eye, K was peacefully sleeping with a note that said, “Hey Mom, I’m doing great! I finished my whole bottle”. I cried from relief and was thankful that she had taken the time to write a note.
I don’t think there will ever be enough words in the encyclopedia to describe the nurses that I will list below. For months, I’ve written draft after draft of this nomination, it was difficult to put into words how grateful I am for every single one of them. To understand exactly why I nominated them and why they are deserving of this award, I’d have to explain where we came from. My son, K, was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta a very rare disease caused by defective genes. These genes affect how the body makes collagen, a protein that helps strengthen bones. My son was given a 30-minute life expectancy. As a 22-year-old first-time parent, every day leading to delivery was extremely emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing. Unfortunately, the hospital I delivered at was not equipped to care for his condition. At 11 days old, we were transferred to Nemours Children's Hospital. We arrived at night, it was pitch dark, and I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. When we arrived, there was a time when we were separated so I could complete paperwork. I was alone, beyond exhausted, and hadn’t had a warm meal in the prior three days.
The first time we met Nurse Jenna, she walked in with the biggest smile. She ran to K, making jokes and cuddling him. I loved the way she loved him. I loved the way K loved Jenna. I knew he was in good hands and for the first time, I had finally stepped out of the hospital to get rest, thanks to Nurse Jenna, who pushed me, but in the most loving way, like a big sister would. That day I fell asleep for almost 12- hours. I woke up and jumped out of bed, already beating myself up for oversleeping. I needed to know how he was doing ASAP. To my surprise, when I opened Angel Eye, K was peacefully sleeping with a note that said, “Hey Mom, I’m doing great! I finished my whole bottle”. I cried from relief and was thankful that she had taken the time to write a note. She would constantly remind me to take care of myself, which at the time was hard to do. I didn’t want to miss anything, so this little piece of paper meant so much. Anytime K had Nurse Jenna, she would always leave notes. I could see his little face light up and his eyes brighten every time he saw her. Having Jenna as our nurse, I was able to witness someone show K the extra amount of love every kid needs. For me, that meant I finally had a friend.
The first time we met Nurse Jenna, she walked in with the biggest smile. She ran to K, making jokes and cuddling him. I loved the way she loved him. I loved the way K loved Jenna. I knew he was in good hands and for the first time, I had finally stepped out of the hospital to get rest, thanks to Nurse Jenna, who pushed me, but in the most loving way, like a big sister would. That day I fell asleep for almost 12- hours. I woke up and jumped out of bed, already beating myself up for oversleeping. I needed to know how he was doing ASAP. To my surprise, when I opened Angel Eye, K was peacefully sleeping with a note that said, “Hey Mom, I’m doing great! I finished my whole bottle”. I cried from relief and was thankful that she had taken the time to write a note. She would constantly remind me to take care of myself, which at the time was hard to do. I didn’t want to miss anything, so this little piece of paper meant so much. Anytime K had Nurse Jenna, she would always leave notes. I could see his little face light up and his eyes brighten every time he saw her. Having Jenna as our nurse, I was able to witness someone show K the extra amount of love every kid needs. For me, that meant I finally had a friend.