Amaria Kirby, NICU Nurse
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital

"It is hard to choose who to nominate, as every member of the NICU team who cared for Norah is a true superhero to us and will forever hold a place in our hearts. Yet Amaria exemplified the very best of nursing by bringing not only exceptional care to our daughter, Norah, but also by caring deeply for us as a family during the three months Norah was with us. Her skill and attentiveness were world-class, but it was her warmth, kindness, and joy that truly carried us through such a difficult season. Amaria had a way of brightening even the hardest days, bringing laughter and light when our hearts were heavy. Our boys fell in love with her, often asking about her and feeling disappointed when they couldn’t visit during her night shifts.

Beyond her compassion, Amaria consistently displayed the highest level of professionalism and expertise. She brought confidence and reassurance into every moment, carefully explaining Norah’s care plan and ensuring that we understood each step. Her calm presence and deep knowledge gave us peace of mind in an environment that can often feel overwhelming. It was clear to us that her years of experience and dedication to her profession shaped not only the excellent care she provided for Norah, but also the trust and comfort she instilled in us as parents.

Amaria’s care left such an imprint on our lives. She, along with others, chose to come and stand with us at Norah’s celebration of life. That act spoke volumes about her compassion and the depth of connection she creates with the families she serves. Amaria made us feel seen, supported, and loved, not just as parents of a patient, but as people walking through unimaginable pain. She is a nurse who turns care into something far greater: a ministry of presence, hope, and love."

Nominated by Kyle Healy

“It’s hard to find the right words to truly capture just how extraordinary Amaria is as a nurse. Her unwavering dedication, drive, and compassion are evident in every moment she spends with her patients and their families. In the NICU, a place often filled with uncertainty and fear, Amaria brings light. Her presence is calming, her care intentional, and her empathy boundless. She has a remarkable ability to bring comfort when hope feels distant, and to offer strength when it’s needed most.

Amaria’s care left a lasting impact on the family pictured above. Norah, the beautiful baby girl they had long dreamed of their third child, the one who completed their family of five was diagnosed with trisomy 13 shortly after birth. What followed were countless surgeries, setbacks, and long days filled with difficult decisions and emotional strain. Through it all, Amaria stood by their side, not just as a nurse, but as a constant source of support, compassion, and advocacy.

She fought for Norah every step of the way, ensuring every decision made was not only clinically sound but rooted in love and empathy. She celebrated the good days, and she held the family through the hardest ones. When Norah’s journey came to an end, Amaria was theremaking sure the family felt understood, supported, and never alone. Her presence brought peace during an incredibly painful time.

But Amaria’s care didn’t end there. She stayed in touch with Norah’s family, honoring her memory and continuing the relationship that was built beyond hospital walls. To them, Amaria isn’t just the nurse who cared for their daughter, she is family.

That is the kind of nurse Amaria is. She doesn’t just provide care; she changes lives. Her work is a testament to the power of compassion in medicine, and I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award.”

Nominated by Jessica Plaud

“Amaria was outstanding in her dedication and gentle care of our beautiful granddaughter. I was deeply impressed by the way she cared not only for her, but for our entire family. We had arrived from overseas, and she couldn’t have been more supportive to us as grandparents. For three painful and difficult months in the hospital, her daily care made it possible for us to endure. We shall never forget her wisdom and kindness. When our little granddaughter passed away and it came time to leave the team, it felt as though we were leaving family.”

Nominated by Anne Healy

“Amaria was very kind, gentle, sensitive, and caring. She was brilliant with my three grandsons as they struggled with the major health challenges faced by my granddaughter. She even traveled to Crystal Lake to support our family at our granddaughter’s funeral.”

Nominated by Michael Heal

“I had the pleasure of being Amaria’s preceptor when she first joined our team at Lurie’s. From the start, the number of parent compliments and praise regarding Amaria’s love for their baby was just a glimpse of the kind of nurse she is. Fast forward a few years later, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Amaria grow as a nurse and take on primary patients. Her standard of care exceeds average and does not go unnoticed by families or coworkers. She is continuously seeking opportunities for growth in her career to make herself an even more exceptional nurse.

Amaria’s gift really showed when her primary, Norah, joined our Lurie family. As the family was facing a life-altering time, Amaria not only showed up for Norah, but for her siblings, parents, and grandparents as well. She made it her duty to ensure everyone was cared for from the moment Norah was transferred to us, to the moment her family laid her to rest, Amaria was there.

That is the kind of nurse Amaria is. We are so grateful to have her!”

Nominated by Courtney Franklin

Amaria was so kind and loving to our little girl. When we were not there at night and she was, we were able to sleep knowing our little girl would be spoiled and well looked after. We could never encapsulate our gratitude in words for Amaria and the way she cared for our girl!

Nominated by Amanda Healy