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"Her thoughtfulness, creativity, and compassion made a lasting difference."

A few weeks before Child Life Month, which is observed annually in March:

The ingenuity and insightfulness of Child Life Specialist Julia Dawson, CCLS, BLS, are earning rave reviews from the family of a UVA Health Children's patient — and an award from UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO)!

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, and BEE Committee Vice Chair Allisha Shifflett surprised Dawson with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award for shining as a "remarkable bright spot."

Heather Saunders, the patient's mother, nominated Dawson:

"My son was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease at birth and underwent an intensive, seven-hour surgery. Three years later, we found ourselves at UVA Health for endocrinology care and what we believed would be emergency surgery. Our time at the hospital was incredibly intense and overwhelming in many ways, but it was also full of moments of kindness and care. Julia Dawson was one of those remarkable bright spots.

"From the very first irrigation, Julia was there with us. She immediately connected with him, bringing calmness and reassurance. She showed us simple, thoughtful ways to help him cope and understand what was happening. But what stood out most was the creativity and compassion she showed toward the end of our stay.

"Julia took an action hero and transformed it into an incredible teaching tool by drilling a hole in the bottom and attaching one of the red rubber irrigation tubes and syringes we had been using. She turned something clinical into something playful — an empowering model he could use to understand and even practice the process himself. He lit up instantly — playing with it, processing the experience, and gaining confidence!

"Even after we were discharged, when we continued irrigations at home, he showed the superhero to his older sister, and together they played and processed the experience in a way that helped our whole family. The creativity and care Julia put into that small but powerful act had an immeasurable impact — not just on his understanding — but on our family’s ability to cope.

"To say we were blessed by Julia would be an understatement! Her thoughtfulness, creativity, and compassion made a lasting difference. I wanted to be sure to express just how deeply thankful we are for her."

Know a Deserving Team Member?

The BEE Award recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another.

Every month, NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award. Submit a nomination.