My son was admitted to the NICU after being born at 25 weeks and 2 days at only 1 pound 12 ounces. As a first-time mom, I was terrified at what would happen and had no idea what to expect.

I found being a NICU parent really isolating, with a lack of people to relate to in the world, and Hayden made my family and me feel seen and heard. Every question had an answer, every joke had a laugh, and every tear had a word of encouragement. Hayden was there on our son's darkest days but also his most exciting days.

I never worried about the care our son was receiving after the first time I saw her advocate for him. The first time I knew we wanted her as our primary nurse was the day he had to be intubated. He was dying and had low respirations. She instantly popped the top on his incubator and started trying to get him out of it. She called a code and still managed to keep my husband and me calm.

It takes a special person to keep two young, clueless first-time parents calm while handling and saving a 2-pound baby. Hayden’s care and advocacy for our son is the reason our now 8-pound baby is home and meeting major milestones.