Congratulations to our 2024 Mamie’s Health Care Hero Award Recipient - Samantha Bigam Sabo/ RN - Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. Every one of our nominees is more than deserving and we have loved being able to give our heroes a little recognition. See below for all of our 2024 nominees.
OUR 2024 NOMINEES
While no parent anticipates losing their child during birth, Sam was a blessing to my husband and I. She advocated for us when I wasn't progressing and the doctors mentioned taking me off the epidural to see if I could tolerate the contractions and moving me to the antepartum unit to free up a L&D bed, but she put her foot down. She prayed with us and for us. She cried with us, and loved our girls as her own. She was our nurse for 2 out of the 3 days we were in the hospital. The second day she was actually called off due to the unit being low census but she insisted on coming in to be our nurse when she could have had a day off, and that afternoon our girls were born! Sam will always hold a special place in my husband and I's heart. Every person who goes through such a traumatic, overwhelming, and emotionally draining experience like this needs a nurse by their side like Sam was for us. We love her and are forever grateful to have her part of our story.
-Jessica Geiman-
For incredible care given to my friends Josh & Jessica Geiman during the hardest time of their lives!
-Nick Rolf-
Sam is a passionate nurse that supports her patients through the tragedy and grief of infant loss.
-Rebecca Preston-
She was the nurse when my daughter delivered twin girls at 20 weeks - she was wonderful during this time
-Monika Thompson-
Nurse Samantha advocated, prayed, cried, and gave us hope when we needed it most!
-Eric Lambert-
She stood by our friends sides and was just an above and beyond nurse as they lost their twin baby girls at 21 weeks after years of infertility.
-Autumn Henderson-
She was so caring and a tremendous support to Jessica and Josh Geiman when they lost their twins during delivery.
-Erica Flint-
She stood by my cousin and his wife’s side while they were in preterm labor with their twins. She prayed with them and gave them hope and comfort. Even though the outcome of the babies wasn’t what we all wanted for the couple, knowing someone was there with them during one of the hardest times in their lives is good to know.
-Dawn Brown-
Stood by a past client’s side when she had a miscarriage at 20 weeks with twins.
-Jen Spell-
She cared for the Geiman girls and supported a fellow nurse in a time of need.
-Summer Hearn-
Her kindness and huge heart.
-Allie Foster-
Samantha Bigam Sabo - RN
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Dr. Ashley Mason
Creekside Center for Women
Dr Mason was there every step of the way after I had a stillbirth on my due date. She was helpful in making sure we had everything we needed for the plate and since then she has been there for us.
-Esme Nino-
I was very lucky to have Dr.Pollack as my obgyn. I was alone the day i found out my daughter wouldn't live outside the pregnancy, but i had Dr.Pollack. She told me that day if i needed anything she was there, and she was! For months she was the person i turned to for advice, reassurance, and comfort. I will always remember Dr.Pollack and the kindness she showed me, when i was at my darkest she was there.
-Amber Ireland-
Stacy Pollack
White River Medical Center
Kristin and I worked together on L&D, we soon became close friends thanks to our job. When my daughter died she instantly said she would be my nurse. She went above and beyond. She brought me a whole bag full of snacks, gowns, things for my husband, things for my daughter. She was my nurse for three nights. She loved my family and I so hard I don’t think I could have made it without her there. She used her husbands camera to take beautiful pictures of our girl and had a custom photo album made for us. A year later I found out my son had died at 24 weeks. Kristin wasn’t scheduled to work but immediately volunteered to come in and be my nurse again. She again went above and beyond and made sure my baby was loved and taken care of through this nightmare a second time. she took care of me and my husband with so much love. I’m so thankful for her and her friendship my family couldn’t have made it through our heartbreak without her.
-Savannah Southern-
Kristin Swanson - RN
Washington Regional Medical Center - Fayetteville, AR
Our son, Ro, was in Sherissa’s care during his nine day stay in the NICU. We immediately knew she was special. Sherissa showed Ro the utmost care and love, and did the same for us when we had to tell him goodbye. She was attentive, friendly, and devoted. Sherissa is everything you’d ever want in a medical caregiver and then some. She went above and beyond for Ro and for us. She will always have a very special place in our hearts.
Sherissa Groves - RN
Baptist Health Little Rock
Dr. Neely and his team of nurses were the ones who delivered our daughter who was born sleeping at 35 weeks in June of 2022. He helped me conceive my daughter and our rainbow son when I struggled with infertility caused by PCOS both times. He is essential to helping women like me and he is experienced. He made my birth with our daughter as positive as possible despite the circumstances being so heartbreaking, and all of his nurses who cared for us post partum were astounding. We love Dr. Neely and his team!
-Kadra Carman-
Dr. Thomas Neely
Baptist Health Deaconess
I originally met Melissa through a share group when I loss my daughter in 2022. She has been consistent and there since day one! Me & my family love & appreciate her for everything she’s done! Recently, she was a witness to the delivery of our rainbow baby & of course she was there at our side the entire time! She’s made this transition so much lighter. Thank you Melissa!
Melissa Odom
Baptist Health - Little Rock
Asha McCoy - RN
Mercy Hospital
She was the absolute best nurse I have ever had. She was so compassionate and helped us navigate through everything during the birth of our stillborn. My family and I wouldn't have been able to survive if it wasn't for her. She will always be a part of our Madi's story.
-Anna & Blake Eaton-
Maddison Thornton
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
During my daughters last days she came to comfort us also during the beginning after my daughters passing I graduated as a CST and as a honor to me and my daughter she surprised me and presented me my diploma.
-Jasmine Primmy-
Jennifer Kirk
St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center
Jennifer is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse that I have had the pleasure of working with for the past 4 years. She is a fantastic, diligent nurse, but most importantly, she is a patient advocate. She cares for moms and families on the best and worst days of their lives. For this reason and many more, I respect and admire her.
-Asa & Kelsey Shnaekel
Hannah Berry - RN/ L&D
The Woman's Clinic- Baptist Little Rock
Hannah is truly a working hero and the hands and feet of Jesus. She shows up everyday and is an amazing servant. Hannah is real and super intentional. She was and still is there for me during the hardest, most shocking time of my life. She lives authentically and she always puts God first, which shows through how she loves every day. I don't think Dr. Burton could survive without her! She's humble, she's kind, she's Spirit-led. To know her is to love her. I'm thankful for her place in my life now and in the future. She deserves this award every bit!
-Annie & Cliff Copeland-
Susan was an absolute Godsend after my traumatic birth experience and subsequent baby loss. She ensured that my husband and I could visit the NICU as often as we wanted to, and she took great care of me in my C-section recovery. I'll never forget her!
Susan
Baptist Health Little Rock
Amber Alger - RN
Sacred heart hospital Eau Claire WI
She sat with me for hours and helped me through the hardest part of my entire life she was amazing and deserves this award.
-Lakota Berman-
Dr Grubbs was amazing with my daughter that has T18. He treated her like she was special and believed in her and gave us so much hope. His bedside manner is unlike I have even known. He was helping my Daniela when she was transitioning into eternity. He did everything possible for well longer than he needed to to try and bring her back. He knew exactly what I needed and how to help me through. Dr. grubbs was so gentle and calm and couldn’t have been any better in such a delicate time. I was so glad he was there and helping me through watching my baby go to Heaven. The doctor even shed tears talking to me about Daniela after and has invited us to come back and meet with him. This doctor went above and beyond his job. I watched him also train others on how to help Daniela as this was a teaching hospital. I’m so grateful he was there for us when we needed him.
-Danielle Rodriguez-
Dr. Peter Grubbs
University of Utah
Angel has been with me during three deliveries. My oldest son, my youngest son, and most recently she was there when I delivered my baby girl at 16 weeks. She is always caring and takes good care of her patients. She gives the warmest and most soul healing hugs when you need them most.
-Chrystina Wright-
Angel - RN
Baptist Health Arkadelphia Medical Center
Dr. John Stanley
Mercy Hospital OKC
He is the best doctor I've had!
-Nancy Titus-
Fallon proved to go above & beyond what I would think an average labor & delivery nurse would be. After a normal healthy pregnancy, I went into spontaneous labor at 37weeks 5 days. You could imagine the shock & surprise when my baby girl had to be taken by emergency c section. Shiloh Agnes was born without a heart beat at 12 pounds, 20 inches. During the heartache of my hospital stay Fallon was caring, patient, positive & understanding. She had a genuine caring spirit for my well being as a mother that could be felt. She spoke of my daughter in a present tense & was always quick to “go get her” & bring her right to me. She cried with me & was gentle and confident in her caring abilities. When it came time for me to leave with just a box & no baby, Fallon took extra care when it was time for me to exit the hospital. She tried her best to help carry my heartache & I will never forget her compassion.
Fallon Bishop - L&D Nurse
Baptist Health Little Rock
Lauren Noland - L&D Nurse
Baptist Medical Center
Lauren made sure I had everything I needed and made the situation I was in better. She is the best L&D nurse!
-Clara Miller-
From the moment my husband and I met Dr. Sandlin he treated us like family. The very first appointment with my daughter to my last appointment with my son, the level of compassion and care was unmatched. The comfort and understanding he provided us when our daughter passed felt like he was grieving her right along with us. Every interaction since then has been nothing but hope - filled, uplifting, and never forgetting to mention and honor our Noah Kate. Dr. Sandlin has left a permanent mark on our family and we’re so thankful for him and his work.
-Rachel Roush-
Dr. Adam Sandlin
UAMS - Little Rock
After both of my miscarriages (during the pandemic) I felt alone at the office and Dr. Hutchinson was so patient and kind. He reminded me kindly that I did nothing wrong and what happened wasn’t my fault.
-Ariel Olson-
Dr. Clinton Hutchinson
Arkansas Women’s Center
April is an compassionate and caring L&D nurse. She works hard and is dedicated to patient care — safety and advocacy. I have seen her laugh and cry with patients. She is a “mama bear” and fierce to the end. She works hard to provide patients with high quality health care without forgetting about the art of medicine. She treats patients and babies with respect, regardless of the circumstances. For this and many more, she is a “healthcare hero.”
-Kelsey Shnaekel-
April Hudson
St. Bernard’s Medical Center