One Friday evening, Tara Spencer’s eight-year-old daughter Zara started complaining of an earache. While she seemed fine at first, her earache quickly worsened and she was taken to the Emergency Department at Studer Family Children’s Hospital. There a CT scan showed Zara had mastoiditis infection and an abscess on the brain that was pressing against a blood vessel which caused a blood clot. Zara was immediately rushed into surgery.

Tara is incredibly grateful for the medical team’s quick resolution. “As a mom, this eliminated so much worry for me. I have two other kids at home, a job, and commitments. To know we could stay near our support and family was so wonderful.”

During Zara’s nine-day stay in the Pediatric ICU at Studer Family Children’s Hospital, the medical staff provided excellent care for both Zara and her family.

Zara’s bubbly personality kept her upbeat, despite the traumatic situation. She formed a bond with her doctors and nurses. By the end of her hospital stay, Zara became interested in watching the nurses draw her blood and even gave herself her shots.

Seeing the medical staff and Zara interact in a positive manner was encouraging for Tara, especially as a mother. She says, “There was nothing better for this mama's heart than to hear the doctors and nurses joking with Zara and laughing with her and making her feel like she's good.”

Zara’s mom has a special message to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital medical staff that took care of Zara during this difficult time. “Thank you for taking care of my baby as if she were your baby.”

Today, Zara is doing well and is thriving. Throughout the experience, Tara described her daughter as fearless, strong, and amazing.

And, she is.