The life my husband and I planned with our firstborn seemed to take a much different course than we could have ever anticipated. We knew our son, G, would be born with a significant cleft palate and lip but more complications quickly arrived not long after he made his grand entrance into the world. As overwhelmed and exhausted new parents to a child with medical complications, we recognized and were clinging to those we felt were strong advocates for us and our son. We found this haven and advocacy in the Pediatric Endocrinology -Greenville office. The Pediatric Endocrinology - Greenville office was and continues to be home every time we walk in the door. Each staff member treats us like family from the moment we check in, weigh in, and check out. Even on occasion, a parent therapy session is needed on how to handle new stages of growth and development. But there are some people who have the gift of advocacy - one that shows in their attitude, heart, and support they give to patients and families.

This nurse, whom we know and love as Nurse Pat, has been this for us since 2016. Nurse Pat has always had a smile on her face, a loving heart for our son, and has been a steady vote of confidence in our Endocrinology journey since 2016. She always encourages G and us as parents, always seeks to get a smile from G, and ensures he leaves with a thoughtful and intentional superhero surprise - to remind him just how strong he has been since the early days, eight years ago when we met. Nurse Pat clearly has answered the call of advocacy in her nursing career, and we are thankful to have been on the receiving end of her calling! She is due to retire in 2025; she will be an advocate that will be hard to replace, but we know she has been with us through the season she was meant to be with our family. She brought us through the trenches in the beginning with her light, encouragement, and support. We wanted to write a letter on her behalf to ensure that Nurse Pat receives recognition for all she has done for our family.