Debbie Bafia, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Jessica Taylor

"I am honored to nominate Debbie for the Jackson Chance Owl Give Award because she embodies the compassion, dedication, and extraordinary care that every NICU family hopes to encounter.

Our son spent 92 days in the NICU, and as we approached the end of his stay, we faced one of our most difficult challenges: he was struggling with oral feedings. We were preparing ourselves to take him home on a feeding tube, uncertain of what the next chapter would look like. During those final weeks, Debbie was our nurse for many nights, and she became deeply invested in helping our son succeed. She was consistent, patient, and determined with every feeding attempt, even when things were difficult. She never seemed willing to accept that he simply “couldn’t” do it. Instead, she carefully watched him, listened to what he was communicating through his cues, and remained vigilant in identifying what he needed.

What made Debbie exceptional was not only her nursing expertise, but the way she turned that expertise into genuine advocacy. She communicated her observations thoughtfully to the medical team and, just as importantly, took the time to explain what she was seeing and learning to us. She made us feel like partners in our son’s care rather than simply parents watching from the sidelines.

Then Debbie went above and beyond in a way we will never forget. On her own time and at her own expense, she purchased a variety of bottles to help us find the right fit for our son. She didn’t have to do that. She chose to do it because she cared so deeply about his success. Because of Debbie’s fearless commitment, persistence, and belief in our son, he became successful with bottle feedings just two days before his scheduled discharge. That accomplishment meant so much more than simply checking a box on his discharge requirements. It meant that we could bring our son home in a way we had begun to fear might not be possible.

We are endlessly grateful for Debbie, not only for her knowledge and skill, but for the heart she brought to her work. She treated our son like he was a member of her own family and fought for him with the same determination we would have.

Our son’s 92-day NICU journey was filled with uncertainty, fear, and moments we will never forget. Debbie gave us something incredibly precious during those final days: hope. She believed in our son when we were struggling to believe in what was possible.

For her extraordinary compassion, advocacy, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to our son, we cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Jackson Chance Owl Give Award than Debbie.”