Giving Back as a Nurse and Congenital Heart Disease Mom
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
By Sarah Michelle Boes,
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, and the Founder of Sarah Michelle NP Reviews
When I sold my business in the early summer of 2022, I had a clear vision: I wanted to use that success to create real, lasting impact. Growing up in eastern Kentucky - one of the poorest areas of the country - giving back has always been central to who I am and who I strive to become. On the very day my company was acquired, my husband and I set aside funds with the sole intention of one day using them for good. We didn’t know when or how, but we knew the moment would reveal itself.
Selling my business was one of the highest highs of my life. Just a few short weeks later, we were thrust into one of our deepest lows when we learned that our unborn daughter had four complex congenital heart defects. Our world changed overnight. Our daughter, Meadow EmmaLou, was born in August 2022. At just six days old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery. By the time she was six months, she had endured five more surgeries. We lived in the hospital with her for months, and at one point, we nearly lost her. That experience cracked us wide open.
It was during that time that we realized just how fortunate we truly were. Because of the financial freedom from the sale of my business, we were able to stay by Meadow’s side every day and night. That’s not a reality for many families. We met parents facing unimaginable challenges - not only the emotional weight of their child’s illness but the crushing financial burden of care. And yet, amidst all of it, we witnessed the extraordinary innovation and compassion of the cardiac team at Norton Children’s Hospital.
When Meadow’s health finally stabilized and we had just a moment to exhale, we knew exactly where those funds needed to go. We were, and still are, deeply grateful to the hospital that saved our daughter’s life - and will continue to be part of her journey as she faces future surgeries. But we were also thinking of all the families we met. Every parent wants to be there with their child. Every child deserves the presence and comfort of their family.
In July 2024, our donation came to life. As part of a $15 million legacy gift to Norton Children’s Hospital, the Congenital Heart Institute was renamed in honor of our daughter: The Norton Children’s Heart Institute, dedicated to Meadow EmmaLou. As a part of this dedication, a mural of a wildflower meadow now welcomes patients and families - a symbol of the strength and healing that can rise from the hardest seasons.
This isn’t just a story about donating money - it’s about leading with heart. For me, philanthropy is deeply personal. It’s about using whatever resources, platforms, or privileges we have to create opportunities, comfort, and healing for others. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make an impact. You just have to show up with intention, compassion, and the belief that your story - and your service - can be a lifeline for someone else.
I want women everywhere to know: you are already powerful. Whether you lead through your work, your voice, your time, or your financial gifts, leadership through service isn’t about what you have - it’s about how you give. And when women lead that way, entire communities are transformed.
The world is waiting for the unique kind of impact only you can make.
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