When our daughter started having unexplained pain, we felt lost as parents with what to do or how to help her. It was finally discovered that she had a ruptured appendix and would need surgery, but as the day went on and we awaited her scheduled time for surgery, she was beginning to have increased pain that the medicine wasn't touching.

Maggie was a Godsend during this time, not only for me as a mom, but for my daughter. Maggie recognized I was struggling as a mom to see my daughter in so much pain and not be able to help her, and offered to sit with her so I could step out and have a moment to gather myself. I didn't want to leave her side, but Maggie looked me in the eyes and promised to take care of her and not leave her side. That was very comforting as a mom!

When I returned, Maggie had gotten my daughter a stress ball to squeeze and was also working on breath work with her when a wave of pain would come. I couldn't believe how locked into Maggie’s words my daughter was and how it was helping her, even if just a little, to work through the pain.

When I felt vulnerable, weak, and helpless, Maggie stepped up in ways I couldn't and carried us through a very tough time.

A few days later, Maggie was back on shift, and we were still at the hospital, and she continued to check in on us, go on walks with our daughter, and encourage her. Every time our daughter was anxious about upcoming pokes and lab draws, she asked Maggie to help her through it, and if Maggie wasn't available, she squeezed the ball she got from her.

Needless to say, Maggie left a huge impression on our eight-year-old, and as a mom, I am forever grateful for all she did for us. She provided comfort and compassion during such hard times in our lives, and we will never forget her!

If anyone is deserving of an Award and recognition, it's Maggie Reinard! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you did for us, and especially our daughter!