Erin O’Connor, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Ysenia Ayers

"Erin stood at our girls side every step of the way through her journey in NICU. Our Zaya was in the NICU for 6 months and Erin gave her the best of care, love, and was her bestest friend, truly an angel. Not only did she provide our Zaya with TLC she was also a safe haven for us.

Our journey was long and filled with many emotions , the NICU soon became a place of comfort and peace for us. Having two other boys at home that also needed our care required lots of splitting time but knowing our girl was in the best of hands, receiving the best of care was beyond anything we could have imagined or hoped for given the circumstances.

Our Zaya fought for 6 months and had the best of cheerleaders at her side. Erin gave us so much guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Zaya knew for sure who Erin was, her bestie! Her eyes would light up when she entered her space.

Through it all Erin became a rock for us guiding us and encouraging us. Praying for our girl, and caring for her. We wish we could repay her for the person she became in our life, a time in our life we were the most vulnerable, where days were the longest and loneliest.

We are so grateful for every nurse at Prentice - each and everyone loved and cared for our Zaya effortlessly. Real life angels!"