I am honored to nominate the extraordinary team involved in the compassionate care of Baby G and his family. This nomination recognizes the team's collective dedication, empathy, and seamless collaboration during an incredibly challenging time for G and his family at the end of his life. 

G was just 4 months old when he passed. He was born at 28 weeks, one of twin boys, and leaves behind his brother H and three other big brothers. G came to our NICU for seizures and was unable to come off the ventilator. He had already faced complications in utero, which made his NICU journey even more challenging. After many hard conversations with his care team and specialists, his parents made the difficult decision to withdraw care. Their focus was always on G's quality of life, ensuring that he would not suffer or be in pain.

G was blessed with incredible parents who advocated for him, right up until his last moments. His mom wanted to make the most beautiful memories with him and their family, which included Christmas pictures with Santa, family photos, and even moments outside in the sunshine. Jessica Wright, SR NICU ANM, was G's nurse on the day that he was taken outside for the first time. She was joined by SR ANMs Rebekah Bagwell and Kim Kum. There was an incredible team who made sure he did not lose his airway, who had mapped out a plan for all the "what if" scenarios to ensure that G and his family could get outside. His parents were able to hold him outside and were able to get pictures and videos capturing these sacred moments.

Prior to G's passing, the mother requested pictures with Santa. Becky Johnson, CACU Manager, and her husband, T, and Liz Brown, Orthopedic/Rehabilitation Clinic Specialist, came in on a Sunday to make sure that this family could get their wish. The SR PICU donated decorations so that it truly felt like Christmas. G's passing was a profoundly peaceful experience due to the highly orchestrated efforts of many people, including Dr. Greg Sysyn, who demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the coordination of care and coming in on his day off to ensure undivided attention to the process.

Sara Hart and Lori Helfrich: As primary nurses, they provided end-of-life care with compassion, supporting the family in the garden and back in the NICU.

Diane Jorge: As the charge nurse, she coordinated staffing and logistics, ensuring everything was seamlessly in place.

Krista Warnock and Nathaniel Canty collaborated with the security team to create a private and reverent space for the family in the garden, akin to an honor walk.

Candi Snipes innovatively devised a private path through the hallways to preserve the family's privacy.

Sarah Van Pelt thoughtfully suggested and arranged for the mother to hold G in a wheelchair on the way to the garden.

Dana LeNeveu ensured all medical preparations and sign-offs were meticulously completed.

Kate Wood and Saralyn Bracken provided respiratory support and aided in capturing cherished family moments.

Trish Patterson created footprints and molds and skillfully guided the family in communicating with G's siblings, including providing valuable resources.

Bridgit Harper offered comforting music and crafted heartbeat bears for G's siblings and mother.

The Vascular Access Team demonstrated skill and perseverance in placing an IV hidden in the foot, allowing G to receive comfort meds at the end of life in a place where he could be seen as a beloved child rather than a patient.

Kathy Sasser offered empathy, comfort, and support to this family. But most importantly, she offered hope that although their lives will be forever changed by the loss of G, they will find the will to survive. The exemplary teamwork and devotion of this team demonstrate the profound compassion that this team demonstrated to G and his family. Their actions exemplify the essence of the DAISY Team Award, and it is with great admiration and respect that I submit this nomination.