Kendra Milantoni
May 2025
Kendra
Milantoni
,
RN
Pediatrics
Henry Ford St. John Hospital
Detroit
,
MI
United States
In that moment, when I was emotionally overwhelmed, she stepped in with such compassion and presence.
As a parent, when all signs point to something being wrong with your child, your first instinct is to go into 'mommy mode' to protect, comfort, and ensure their well-being. My son had a severe episode involving a skin reaction and extreme abdominal pain. Pain, unlike anything I've ever seen him experience. In that moment, I started to lose my focus from the overwhelming worry and anxiety I felt. Then Nurse Kendra did something I will never forget. She knelt down beside my son's bed, gently held his hand, and reassured him that he was safe and that she was there to care for him alongside me. She softly encouraged him to imagine being in a safe place, his favorite place —the beach, where he could play in the sand. Slowly, I watched him begin to calm down. In that moment, when I was emotionally overwhelmed, she stepped in with such compassion and presence. I had never felt so supported by someone when it came to my child. Nurse Kendra has been an absolute pleasure to share my son's care with, and I would like to sincerely thank her for everything she has done for us. Her kindness and professionalism have made a lasting impact on our lives.