It is impossible to put into words what Lisa Zayudis has meant to our family; she is the reason we experienced hope, compassion, and unwavering advocacy during the darkest chapter of our lives.

As our baby's primary nurse, she became so much more than a caregiver. Lisa became a constant, a fierce advocate, and someone our family will carry in our hearts forever. There was a time when we were told our daughter might not survive. Faced with the unimaginable, we made the decision to have her baptized. Without hesitation, Lisa stood beside us as her godmother. In one of the most heartbreaking moments of our lives, she didn't just fulfill a nursing role; she became family. That act of love and support is something we will never forget.

At the same time, she fought tirelessly for our baby. She worked with incredible skill, determination, and compassion to keep her alive. She never stopped believing in our daughter or giving her everything she had. Today, because of the extraordinary care of her medical team and because of nurses like Lisa, whose dedication never wavered, our daughter is still here. That is a gift our family will treasure for the rest of our lives. She also empowered us to become advocates for our child. She made sure we understood that we had a voice and that our concerns mattered. She encouraged us to ask questions, speak up if something didn't feel right, and participate in making informed decisions about our daughter's care.

Lisa taught us that being parents in the NICU meant more than watching from the sidelines; it meant being respected members of the baby’s care team. She went out of her way to make sure our wishes were honored. She ensured the team knew we wanted to be present for our daughter's baths, and she advocated for us to be contacted before major changes or important decisions were made. Those moments may seem small to others, but to parents whose time with their baby felt so fragile, they meant everything. She protected not only our daughter's care but also our role as her parents.

As our daughter grew stronger, Lisa celebrated every victory alongside us. After her breathing tube was removed, she showered our little girl with love, cuddles, and attention, even when we couldn't be at the hospital ourselves. Knowing our daughter was being held, comforted, and loved when we weren't there brought us a peace that can’t be measured. Her compassion extended far beyond clinical care. She knew our daughter as a person, not just a patient. She knew us as a family, not just parents and siblings at the bedside. She celebrated with us, advocated for us, and reminded us that we were never alone. Some nurses change outcomes. Others change lives. Lisa did both.

Our daughter is here today with a future outside of the hospital, and our family is forever changed by the care Lisa gave us. We will never be able to thank her enough, but I hope this nomination helps honor the incredible nurse and incredible person that she is. Years from now, I may not remember every word she said, but I will never forget the way she made me feel safe enough to breathe, confident enough to advocate for my daughter, and never alone in one of the hardest seasons of my life.