Kim Ladd, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital
Nominated by Jordan Hwang

"My family has been fortunate enough to cross paths with Kim twice, and in both the most hopeful and the most devastating moments of our lives, she was our steady presence, teacher, and guardian. Kim was our son Parker's primary NICU nurse in July 2023, and two years later, she cared for our daughter Reese on the final day of her life.

Parker was born six weeks early after a placental abruption and was immediately taken to the NICU. Like most NICU parents, we were overwhelmed and terrified. From the very beginning, Kim met us with calm confidence, patience, and compassion. She answered every question and taught us how to care for our tiny baby, how to feed him, change his diaper, and begin our journey into parenthood. I will never forget Kim kneeling on the floor beside me, gently teaching me how to use a breast pump and reassuring me every step of the way. She was there on our first day of breastfeeding, helping Parker and me navigate the challenges with encouragement and grace.

Throughout our NICU stay, Kim made the long, overwhelming days feel manageable. She offered parenting tips and reminded us to take photos of Parker's milestones, knowing how meaningful those memories would be. She became our north star. On discharge day, we left the NICU feeling calm, prepared, and confident because of her.

Two years later, Reese was born at 26 weeks. After Reese's traumatic birth, Kim sought us out on our first day in the NICU. She remembered how we had spent every waking moment at Parker's bedside and gently helped us recognize the importance of a more sustainable plan for our long NICU stay. Her care extended beyond our daughter; it encompassed our entire family. Heartbreakingly, Reese passed away five days later.

On the hardest day of our lives, Kim found us again to offer her support as Reese's nurse. In the midst of unimaginable heartbreak, Kim provided care that went far beyond medicine. She made sure we had privacy, instinctively knowing when to give us space and when to envelop us with hugs and love. She took photos of us with Reese, understanding that these would become the only family photos we would ever have with our daughter, a priceless gift we will forever cherish. She helped guide us through conversations about bereavement leave and disposition plans with compassion and clarity. Kim held us as we cried, smiled with us as our son met his baby sister, and gently guided us through Reese's final moments.

Leaving the hospital without Reese was unbearable, but Kim promised she would hold her and protect her. As we kissed our baby girl goodbye, we knew she was safe in Kim's arms. Even after leaving the NICU, Kim has continued to support our family, helping us navigate a complex insurance appeal and offering unwavering emotional support during my readmission for severe postpartum complications. She has always made herself available and made it clear she always will be.

Kim has been a guardian angel to both of our children and to us as parents. Her compassion, intuition, and extraordinary presence embody the very best of NICU nursing. She is profoundly deserving of the Jackson Chance Foundation OWL Award."