Recently, Sarah shared an amazing story that left us in tears. Several years ago, a patient, Katie, was a candidate for an organ harvest. (We're putting her name, because the family has been very vocal and are transplant advocates around the community now.) The family made the selfless decision to donate her organs. Sarah wanted to witness what went on during the process. She went in to the OR and stood by Katie. Sarah held her hand and stroked her forehead throughout the operation. This past year, we had our Transplant Memorial service, and Sarah attended. Katie's family was one of our featured speakers. Sarah met with the family afterwards, and told them that Katie had not been alone in the OR, that she had been beside her, holding her hand and stroking her hair. The parents started crying, and thanked Sarah for being there. Several weeks later, the family contacted Phil (one of the PICU coordinators), asking how they could reach Sarah. She was working on Christmas Eve, when they came by with a gift for her. It was a butterfly ring. They told her that Katie loved butterflies and it was a sign of new life. Katie's mom said when she found out Sarah had been there with Katie, it was like a prayer was answered. She felt at peace because her daughter wasn't alone.

We just thought this was a great story of how the things we do really make a difference in someone else's life!

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While sitting down to breakfast, Sarah shared a recent event she had experienced. While at our local McDonald's, she heard a 5 year old boy coughing and coughing while eating his french fries. All of a sudden the boy gasped and could no longer breathe. His mom jumped up and began asking for help. Sarah was the only nurse there at the time. I should mention Sarah is 8 and 1/2 months pregnant and had to perform the Heimlich from the side and with the use of a chair. She went over to the child and reached around his chest and performed the Heimlich maneuver. It took three abdominal thrusts, the food came out and the child began to breathe again. The child's mom thanked Sarah but as Sarah said, she (mom) "was so freaked out by what had just happened" she left with the child right after. Sarah had not told anyone of her encounter at McDonalds.

I know it is what we are trained to do but to actually be presented with that type of situation is another. I could not let this go unnoticed. Sarah, if I ever have a moment like that, I hope you are around to help me the way you stepped up to help that little guy. Thank you for being here for the kids.

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Whether Sarah had two low acuity patients or 4-5 high acuity patients, she was always an amazing nurse. She always has the biggest smile on her face and truly cares more than anyone else I have worked with in this hospital. She is the picture perfect person for this award and her hard work should definitely be recognized.