When we arrived at SickKids following the emergency cesarean birth of our daughter, we were thrust into a whirlwind of emotions and challenges we could never have anticipated. Amid the chaos, one constant gave us strength and comfort: our bedside nurse, Marta Machado. Marta’s extraordinary care and leadership turned a profoundly stressful situation into one where we felt supported, informed, and reassured. Throughout our time at SickKids, Marta became a pillar of stability not only for our family but also for the medical team. She handled every stressful situation with calmness and poise, serving as a steadfast presence in the room. Marta’s ability to stay composed under pressure, while delivering exceptional care to our daughter, was nothing short of inspiring. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep compassion assured us that our daughter was in the best possible hands, even when we couldn’t be at the hospital ourselves. Marta has a gift for communication, especially with parents who have no medical background. She patiently answered every question—often the same ones more than once—and encouraged us to ask more, fostering an open dialogue that made us feel involved and informed. She balanced this with her strong leadership skills, often providing guidance to her peers and ensuring that patient-centered care remained the top priority. Marta’s adherence to hospital protocols and her assertiveness in upholding them further reinforced our trust in her.

One situation stands out that perfectly illustrates Marta’s advocacy and dedication. On the day our daughter was being weaned off Nitric Oxide in preparation for a critical MRI, a training ultrasound had been scheduled. Recognizing that this procedure would be too stressful for our baby, Marta advocated on our behalf and declined it. Her ability to act decisively and in our baby’s best interests was a tremendous relief to us and a testament to her intuition. Marta’s care extended beyond the medical. She brought light to difficult moments, making us laugh when we needed it most. She involved other supportive resources, like the lactation consultant, demonstrated how to give OIT, and encouraged the use of the music therapist, ensuring we had everything we needed for our daughter’s holistic care. She even took the time to engage with our extended family, answering their questions with compassion and respect, making everyone feel included and at ease.

Marta’s warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication made a significant impact on our daughter’s health journey. She treated our daughter as if she were her own, and her commitment to her patients’ well-being is unparalleled. We wholeheartedly believe that Marta’s exceptional care played a pivotal role in our daughter’s recovery. For her compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy, we cannot think of anyone more deserving of the DAISY Award than Marta Machado. She is a nurse who exemplifies everything that makes SickKids exceptional, and we are profoundly grateful for her care.