Nadine Russell used to be afraid of the sound of a ringing phone.

And it’s no wonder. In November 2005, two of her triplets died at birth, and the fate of her daughter, Sianna-Lee – born at 24 weeks weighing 520 grams – was touch and go. A phone call could signal more bad news.

“I had a lot of fears,” says Russell. “I had already lost so much and couldn’t bear the thought of losing Sianna-Lee, but Mount Sinai gave me strength and courage. They helped me through the worst time of my life. Every time I cried out, they helped me. I am very thankful.”

Staff at Mount Sinai made her ordeal easier. They gave Russell bus passes so she could visit her daughter in the Valentine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and even sent her photos when Russell was too afraid to visit. They matched her with a parent buddy, referred her to a therapist, and promised never to deliver bad news by phone.

Today, Sianna-Lee is a happy toddler. Though she faces certain health problems associated with being born so premature, she is the perfect daughter and the focus of her mother’s life. “Being a mom is wonderful. It’s the best experience of my life,” says Russell. “I would do it all over again to have my daughter.”

Russell is putting her experience to good use. She is now a parent buddy and has helped other parents experiencing the same hardships of early parenthood. “Some families have been so grateful for my help that they have kept in contact,” says Russell proudly. “Though we are from different cultures, we can relate because we have had the same experiences.”

Being a buddy – and becoming friends with other NICU families – has also made her stronger. “Now I can talk about my experience without crying or getting depressed.” Russell has been working hard at this, participating in seminars and sharing her experience with doctors and the health-care community so that they can better help other parents dealing with loss.

She owes her success – and Sianna-Lee’s life – to Mount Sinai. “My nurses, doctors, residents, and social workers really cared. I recommend this place to parents, and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”