My wife and I want to express our deepest appreciation for Nurse Practitioner Lauren McNeal and the outstanding care she provided our son. He was admitted through the ER at Rady Children’s Hospital after a chest X-ray revealed an enlarged heart. In the weeks that followed, we learned he was in heart failure and would need a transplant — news no parent is ever prepared to hear.

Throughout this difficult journey, NP Lauren was a constant source of guidance, compassion, and clarity. Every time we were faced with major updates about our son’s condition, Lauren was there — not just to inform us, but to truly care for us. She explained everything with a calm, thoughtful presence, always asking if we had more questions or needed anything clarified. Her approach was both professional and deeply human. In moments when the path felt steep and frightening, Lauren’s presence communicated, “You are not alone.”

After long days of medical rounds and masked faces, my wife and I would debrief together during our own “shift change.” When trying to recall who Lauren was, my wife described her as a “short doll,” and I immediately responded, “with the orange shoes!” It made us smile — a memory of warmth in a trying time. Lauren brings something truly special to the Cardiology team. She embodies the kind of holistic, heartfelt care that makes Rady Children’s Hospital extraordinary. We will never forget the medical support we received — but more than anything, we will never forget how NP Lauren McNeal made us feel seen, cared for, and safe. She is, without a doubt, a strong asset to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and a blessing to the families she serves.