The journey of a parent with a critically ill child is one filled with fear, uncertainty, and endless challenges. But there are moments of light along the way, and those moments often come from the people who dedicate their lives to saving others. This is a story of one such journey—a journey made possible by the tireless efforts of a group of dedicated nurses, respiratory therapists, and staff who saved our daughter, Iris.
When our world turned upside down and Iris was fighting for her life, we were lucky enough to be surrounded by a team of healthcare professionals who treated us like family. From our first days on 7C to our time in the PICU, these incredible people never gave up on Iris, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Iris’ journey was filled with some of the darkest moments of our lives. There were times when she turned blue in my arms, and I didn’t know if I would ever get to hold her again. But these nurses—these angels in scrubs—were always there to bring her back. They performed miracles, not just through their expertise, but through the simple yet profound act of caring. Every time Iris faced a life-threatening situation, they were right there, stepping in with swift action and calm presence, saving her life again and again.
But the support didn’t stop with just medical care. These nurses became our lifelines in other ways. They held me as I cried, offering comfort during the moments when it felt like the world was too heavy to carry. They listened patiently to my endless concerns, my fears, and my desperate attempts to find any avenue to help Iris. Together, we went down countless rabbit holes, researching treatments, seeking second opinions, and advocating for Iris every step of the way. Even when I was a “dragon mom,” as I called myself, never once did they show frustration. Instead, they showed understanding, respect, and unwavering support.
Throughout this journey, I saw my own growth as an advocate for my daughter, and I owe so much of that to the support and guidance of these healthcare professionals. They empowered us, believed in Iris’ strength, and gave us the courage to push for her recovery even when it seemed impossible.
There was a moment when we received devastating news from specialists who told us to prepare for the worst. But our nurses didn’t just console us—they brought humor and hope. They spoke about Iris’ future as a teenager with the same lightheartedness we shared at home. “She’s going to be snarky and sarcastic,” they joked, reminding us that Iris, despite the odds, would grow up to be a strong, spirited individual who would find her voice and live her life with humor and joy. That moment, though small in the grand scheme of things, became one of the most meaningful to us. It reminded us that Iris was a fighter, and her future was still waiting to be written.
As we continue on this journey, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the nurses and medical staff who have been there for us from the beginning. They have been with us through the darkest days, lifting us up when we couldn’t stand on our own. They have helped Iris become the incredible little girl she is today—full of energy, resilience, and hope.
Every day, we take a moment to reflect on how far Iris has come. She’s not just surviving; she’s thriving. Watching her laugh, play, and grow is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who cared for her. Each day that she gets stronger, every new milestone she reaches, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly to make her recovery possible.
To all the nurses who cared for Iris—whether for a day or for the many months she spent in their care—thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the true heroes in this story, and we are forever grateful for everything you’ve done for our family. Your kindness, expertise, and compassion have given us the gift of time with our daughter, and that is something we can never repay.