Kelly Kunkel, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital
Nominated by Jordan Hwang

"During our daughter Reese's brief but deeply meaningful life, Nurse Kelly cared for her twice and made an indelible impact on our family. In the most fragile moments of our lives, Kelly exemplified the compassion, humanity, and family-centered care that define extraordinary NICU nursing.

Kelly was Reese's nurse on her first full day in the NICU following her birth at 26 weeks. As parents to a critically ill micro-preemie, we were overwhelmed, terrified, and desperate to understand what was happening to our daughter. Kelly took the time to answer our countless questions, carefully explain medical procedures, and teach us how to safely interact with Reese's tiny, fragile body. She encouraged us to be active participants in Reese's care, empowering us to be her parents in a space that often feels clinical and intimidating.

Kelly's compassion extended far beyond bedside care. She was part of the team meeting where we learned the devastating news that Reese had severe lung and heart disease and bilateral grade IV brain bleeds. As we processed information no parent should ever have to hear, Kelly grieved a lost future with us. Her tears reflected genuine empathy and validated our grief in a moment when the world felt like it was collapsing. She stayed with us, helping us talk through Reese's prognosis with honesty, clarity, and deep compassion.

When we made the heartbreaking decision to pursue palliative care, Kelly continued to advocate fiercely for our family. She helped secure a private space so we could grieve, bond, and spend our final day together as a family, away from the noise and urgency of the NICU. In an act of extraordinary thoughtfulness, Kelly also arranged for Kim, our son Parker's former NICU nurse and a trusted presence in our lives, to be Reese's nurse on her last day. In doing so, Kelly recognized not only Reese's needs, but also our family's emotional history and the comfort that familiar, trusted care could provide.

Kelly consistently viewed us as a whole family, not just as parents of a critically ill infant. Her intuition, advocacy, and compassion turned an unbearable day into one marked by dignity, love, and connection. We are profoundly grateful that Kelly was part of Reese's story. Her ability to combine clinical excellence with deep humanity made an immeasurable difference in our lives.

Kelly embodies the spirit of the Jackson Chance Foundation Owl Give Award. Her care, empathy, and advocacy provided light in our darkest hours, and for that, she is profoundly deserving of this honor."