A patient’s sibling nominated Dinasty, stating:

"My brother was born with a heart murmur, something my parents were made aware of from the very beginning. At the time, doctors reassured them that the murmur would likely shrink as he grew older, and for years, my family held on to that hope. However, during a pivotal doctor's appointment, my parents learned that the hole in his heart was not shrinking as expected. Instead, it remained the same size, ultimately leading to the decision that he would need surgery.

At first, the surgical team explained that the procedure would be relatively minor. But once they began, they realized the hole was larger and more complex than originally anticipated. This discovery quickly changed the plan and required my brother to undergo open-heart surgery, a reality that left my family stunned, terrified, and uncertain of what lay ahead.

The days that followed his surgery were some of the most difficult we had ever faced. In the PICU, where every detail of his recovery mattered, we were met with both fear and hope. It was there that we met Dinasty, a nurse whose presence became a lifeline for my family.

Dinasty had a way of making the sterile hospital room feel almost like home. She kept my parents informed every step of the way, patiently answered every one of my brother’s questions, and made sure he felt safe in a situation where most children would feel nothing but fear. She celebrated his milestones, no matter how small—whether it was taking his first steps after surgery or simply sitting up without assistance. In doing so, she reminded us all that progress was happening, even in moments we struggled to see it.

Dinasty's kindness extended beyond my brother; she supported my parents, comforted my sister and me, and made each of us feel like we mattered in his journey of healing. Looking back, that period was one of the scariest moments of my life. Yet what stands out most is not just the fear, but the unwavering compassion Dinasty displayed.

Her ability to blend professionalism with genuine care made all the difference for my family. She showed me what it truly means to be a nurse in the PICU: not only a medical caregiver, but also a protector, encourager, and source of strength.

I will never forget Dinasty's role in my brother's recovery. To me, she embodies everything a PICU nurse should be: a model of compassion, resilience, and dedication. Thank you, Dinasty, for the extraordinary care you gave my brother and for the kindness you extended to my family. You changed a terrifying experience into one that will always be remembered with gratitude.”