Marizona Dahlstrom
March 2026
Marizona
Dahlstrom
,
BSN
NICU
Froedtert Thedacare
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
Dad was absolutely elated! His whole demeanor and attitude instantly changed, and he is still talking about those moments.
My father was a patient in the NICU after enduring brain surgery, and my mother and I were both trying our very best to support him on the road to recovery. We were both absolutely delighted by the entire medical staff. One nurse in particular went above and beyond and was able to keep up with my dad’s negative attitude, as he usually goes about in a slightly less optimistic way.
Marizona was eager to ask questions and listened with care as Dad shared life stories about his days farming, and didn’t turn away with disinterest. She encouraged walks and kept an upbeat attitude to keep my dad’s spirits up. One of her many “stand-out moments” was when she came into the room in the afternoon to check on dad and lightheartedly said that she had to share some bad news. With quick ears, we were all eager to hear what she had to share. Marizona then said that the news was that dad could take a wheelchair ride and that she got the okay to take him outside.
My father absolutely loves being outside, so being confined to a bed in a hospital room was a major struggle for him. Dad instantly lit up, and we then found ourselves outside the hospital in the beautiful sunshine. On our way out, Marizona proceeded to ask questions, with one being, what was Dad’s favorite flavor of ice cream. He shared that his favorite was vanilla. On our way back into the hospital, Marizona plucked a handful of blades of grass and had Dad hold them in his hands while taking one more big breath of fresh air. That very small but thoughtful moment will stay with us as a light one throughout all the chaos.
After we rolled back into the hospital, Marizona asked if Dad wanted to go down to the cafeteria to get some ice cream. Dad was absolutely elated! His whole demeanor and attitude instantly changed, and he is still talking about those moments. Marizona went above and beyond to help make dads' stay at Froedtert easier. I personally will never forget Marizona’s care and compassion and will forever be grateful for the light she shone during this difficult time.
Marizona was eager to ask questions and listened with care as Dad shared life stories about his days farming, and didn’t turn away with disinterest. She encouraged walks and kept an upbeat attitude to keep my dad’s spirits up. One of her many “stand-out moments” was when she came into the room in the afternoon to check on dad and lightheartedly said that she had to share some bad news. With quick ears, we were all eager to hear what she had to share. Marizona then said that the news was that dad could take a wheelchair ride and that she got the okay to take him outside.
My father absolutely loves being outside, so being confined to a bed in a hospital room was a major struggle for him. Dad instantly lit up, and we then found ourselves outside the hospital in the beautiful sunshine. On our way out, Marizona proceeded to ask questions, with one being, what was Dad’s favorite flavor of ice cream. He shared that his favorite was vanilla. On our way back into the hospital, Marizona plucked a handful of blades of grass and had Dad hold them in his hands while taking one more big breath of fresh air. That very small but thoughtful moment will stay with us as a light one throughout all the chaos.
After we rolled back into the hospital, Marizona asked if Dad wanted to go down to the cafeteria to get some ice cream. Dad was absolutely elated! His whole demeanor and attitude instantly changed, and he is still talking about those moments. Marizona went above and beyond to help make dads' stay at Froedtert easier. I personally will never forget Marizona’s care and compassion and will forever be grateful for the light she shone during this difficult time.