All of us have at one point in our lives been touched by the compassion and generosity of another person.  Sometimes it is when we least expect it and need help and kindness the most.  When my family was in the hospital for the birth and recovery of our stillborn daughter, our eyes were opened to how wonderful and life changing one person can be in another’s life.  All it takes is one small act of kindness to change the world for someone else.  That one person for us was a labor and delivery RN at North Kansas City Hospital named Dana.

RN Dana gifts Emilia’s parents with castings and other memorabilia from their stillborn daughter. Emilia is being held by her mother in this photo.

Never did it cross my mind that I would meet Dana on the terms that I did.  We met in a hospital birthing room, minutes before my daughter Emilia was born silently into this world.  Dana was our family’s main nurse that took care of us during the birth of Emilia and during my entire recovery period.  Those three days would prove to be just the beginning of what would be the hardest days of my life, but Dana helped to turn them into memories that I will cherish forever.

Although nobody can take away the pain of losing a child, Dana made every day a positive experience.  I think that most people who experience a similar tragedy would have a difficult time finding peace and joy, but Dana helped us grieve and made it the best experience that it could have possibly been.  She helped us take photos of our sweet baby Emilia… while I will never be able to hold and see my daughter again, I have photos that I will cherish forever! Photos that will help me relive those moments forever!

She took several feet and hand imprints and plaster molds, so we will never forget what her tiny hands and feet looked like.  She helped us take a piece of our daughter home with us, by helping us cut a lock of her long, red hair.  When choosing a baptismal gown, she gave us a bonnet for Emilia to wear that was made from the material of her own daughter’s baptismal gown!

The NKCH DAISY Award recipient Dana Moon, RN. Awarded for the extraordinary and compassionate care exemplified among the caring of her patients.

These are only a few of the many amazing things that Dana did to help us celebrate and enjoy our daughter.  I will always look back on March 15, 2017 with mixed emotions… sadness-for not having my child to hold and kiss, joy-for the incredible opportunity to be the mommy to such a beautiful creature, and closure-because of the amazing experiences and memories provided by Dana and North Kansas City Hospital!

Our family was so excited to recently learn that Dana was selected as North Kansas City Hospital’s newest DAISY Award recipient! Dana, thank you for all that you have done for us and the countless other families whose lives you have touched.  You are gifted beyond measure with care and compassion, and we are so lucky to have been entrusted to your care during the hardest days of our lives.  “The best nurses are those who go the extra mile, even when no one is on the sidelines watching.”

If you would like to learn more about The DAISY Award or have a particular nurse in mind that you feel is deserving of this high honor, please visit The Daisy Foundation.