Angie Koziczkowski, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Jacqueline Barbara

“Angie came into our lives when our twin girls were two days old after being born at 28 weeks and she stayed there for the 90 days our girls spent in the NICU. We are first time parents and to say we were terrified that our babies were in the NICU hooked up to countless tubes and monitors is a major understatement. Angie was our girls’ nurse on day two and became an integral part of our family that day as well. From the very first time we saw Angie with our girls, her expertise, calm demeanor and loving nature was palpable. As time went on, we would watch Angie stand next our babies’ bedside and soothe them with loving pats and words when they were too sick to leave their isolates. Angie would talk with us about every single thing the doctors said, teach us how to change diapers, hold our babies safely, sideline feed, and above all trust in the NICU process. Being a first-time parent of two very premature babies is an experience that does not lend itself to much peace of mind. Angie gifted that to us. When our babies were with Angie, we knew that they were loved and taken care of. Angie afforded me the luxury of having some coffee and breakfast before heading into the NICU to see the girls because I was confident in their care.

During COVID, when no family was allowed to come and see our babies or join us in this experience, Angie became our family. The number of hours she sat with us in our girls’ room and talked to us about the girls, about NICU life and about life in general allowed us to feel human again during an isolating time. When I went back to work while the girls were still in the NICU, Angie helped me to process through my anxiety, guilt and fear about not being with the babies all day. When I would check in during the day, Angie would not spare a single detail about the girls’ day and progress and greeted me with a huge smile and two happy babies to snuggle when I would arrive to the NICU after work. Angie listened to us and advocated for us during rounds when we could not be present. Ultimately, Angie made the NICU feel warm and safe. Angie made our babies feel loved and safe. I would not wish premature birth of babies on anyone, but I do wish that everyone that has this experience has an Angie to go along with it. Our girls will grow up knowing and feeling gratitude for their “Angel Angie” and so will we. I could not think of a better person to receive the Owl Give Award than Angie.”