There are people who are good at their job, and then there are people who are doing what they were born to do. Janetta is doing what she was born to do. I have never seen a nurse with a bigger heart and more compassion for her patients. The epilepsy world is one filled with such frustration, no easy answers, and a great deal of waiting. Janetta understands that…she validates that. As a mom, my frustration level is often at a fever pitch because I want desperately to fix something that is out of my hands. My stress honestly melts away when I know that Janetta is in charge. I cherish the bond she has developed with my son. His eyes light up when she is here. She has a way of making him feel like he is the most important kiddo in the world. I have watched her take my son from a place of complete sadness to a place where his laughter bubbles over like a milkshake. She makes faces, blows bubbles, gets on the floor and plays, talks in voices, sings songs, listens and answers his 3-year-old questions. She wipes his nose, holds his hand, advocates for him when she doesn’t feel he is getting what he needs. She holds his heart…and mine. Janetta is a gift in the true sense of the word. She deserves to be applauded for the incredible nurse that she is.

Another nomination: My 2-month-old daughter had RSV that was very bad, and I couldn’t stand to see my daughter suffering. Janetta comforted me and gave me strength to help me help her get better. She helped me get through her choking spell and I would love to nominate her. She is a wonderful nurse. I thank her for all she did.

Another nomination: Janetta was the first nurse we came in contact with on our first hospital stay Cook Children’s Medical Center in 2009. She was very compassionate, caring, kind, and gentle. She not only made my daughter comfortable, but our whole family as well. Since then our daughter has been admitted twice. She goes out of her way to speak, be kind even if she was not assigned to our daughter. We have her again this stay, and she is still the same caring, compassionate, kind and gentle. Always has a smile on her face, which is what the family and patients need! I think she goes above and beyond her call of duty!