My son had a liver transplant. We were away from home and our family during this time, and he spent 40+ days in the PICU at Hassenfeld. Through that time, E was cared for by the most amazing team of nurses and providers, and we are grateful for all of them.

Melissa went a step further and was able to form a bond with E that had him calling for her in the hallway. During the many weeks we were there, Melissa made a point to say hello to me and spend time checking in and visiting with E, even when she wasn’t assigned as his nurse.

There were times during his stay when all he wanted was a red ice pop, and Melissa went out of her way to buy and bring in a box of popsicles for him - so that he could have his favorite red ones. She cleared it with his doctors and kept the stash for him to have when he asked.

I often arrived at the unit to hear them chatting, laughing, and being silly together. When it’s all said and done, I just hope that the positive memories of his time here outweigh the negative ones. Melissa made this possible!