My brother-in-law was a patient of Bailey's after his heart surgery, post-surgical heart attack, and ultimately being declared brain dead and becoming an organ donor. Our family is complicated, as the children (12 & 9) of my sister and the patient are in my custody because of their parents' addiction issues and life choices.

While she was a wonderful nurse to her patient, she was truly an even more amazing nurse for us. She cared for us all. When the 12-year-old had a panic attack, Bailey was there to offer help. She and the social worker are the only reasons we got through this awful time. She answered every question in a way the kids could understand and made them feel seen and heard. Away from the kids, she answered all my more blunt ones with a poise and honesty I appreciated beyond words.

I understand ICU nurses have fewer patients, so they can be more present. I have had significant experience with surgical, neurosurgical, and general ICUs, and I have never had a nurse care for us as a family just as much as the patient. She came with us to meet with the doctors to help us understand the true nature of what was happening. She was there supporting us when we met with the Donor Network.

She was always there for us, but managed to never intrude; she was just present and there if we needed her. She was with us on that final honor walk. And when I fell apart, not for the patient but for his children, she was not only there as comfort, but she made me feel seen on a level I can't express without disclosing more personal details than I would like.

This world needs more nurses like Bailey and, frankly, more humans like Bailey. She is truly special and absolutely one of a kind.