Macy Brunner, NICU Nurse
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
Nominated by Hank Ebeling

"First, I want to acknowledge that every individual nominated for this award is deeply deserving. The care, compassion, and skill they bring to families in some of the hardest moments of their lives is nothing short of extraordinary. That said, when I think about what it means to go above and beyond, what it means to be not just a great nurse, but a truly unforgettable one - I think of Macy.

In 2022–2023, our twin boys spent a long and emotional journey in the NICU. From the moment Macy became one of their primary nurses, she didn’t just meet our expectations, she redefined them. Macy embodied everything you hope for in a NICU nurse and then gave more. She was our boys’ advocate, our translator in a world of medical complexity, and most of all, our anchor when things felt uncertain and overwhelming.

There was never a day we felt lost, unheard, or confused and we have Macy to thank for that. After doctors would deliver news that was difficult to process, it was always Macy who stepped in, gently explaining what it meant, reassuring us, holding our hands, sometimes literally, and reminding us that we weren’t alone. She even came to the doctors’ trach meeting with us! She had an incredible ability to bring clarity and calm during chaos, and I’ll never forget the comfort her presence brought us.

What still amazes me is that Macy didn’t just do her job, she lived it. She would offer to work extra shifts on days our boys had surgeries or important tests, days she was supposed to be off, simply because she wanted to be there for them and for us. Even while away on vacation, Macy would check in with her fellow nurses for updates on “her boys.” That kind of devotion can’t be taught; it comes from a place of deep love and calling.

And it wasn’t just the big moments. It was the everyday ones, too. I can’t recall a single time Macy walked into the room without a smile. And when your children are fighting in the NICU, that smile, that warmth, is a light you cling to. Macy brought joy into our boys’ room, crafting decorations for every milestone, birthday, and holiday. She made sure that even in a sterile hospital room, there was color, celebration, and love.

Macy wasn’t just part of our NICU experience, she became part of our family’s story. And to this day, she still is.

To me, Macy is the heart of what every parent hopes for when they hand their child over to the care of someone else. She is the embodiment of compassion, dedication, and excellence. And more than anything, she is living proof of the kind of impact one nurse can have on an entire family’s life.”