Danielle Rybicki

Danielle Rybicki is a flight nurse at ThedaCare in Neenah. Caring for others started for Dani when her grandmother broke her hip. Wanting to take care of her, Dani became a CNA at her grandmother's assisted living facility and found her calling. She advanced from critical care to emergency room nurse before becoming flight nurse. She has four children from her first marriage. Happily remarried, Dani and her husband love their blended family of eight. Dedicated and attentive, she cheers enthusiastically for all of their children at school sports. She loves running with people of all shapes and abilities. Dani's favorite day is spent hiking forest trails or floating on beautiful Wisconsin lakes with her family.

Others initially thought that Dani was too emotional to be a flight nurse. However, she has realized that her compassionate side is her greatest asset. While her work is very challenging, she bears her cross with deep love. She embraces the controlled chaos of meeting people at their worst moment. She may be their last human interaction and handles this privilege with great care. Fueled by prayer and coffee, she takes a deep breath and prepares herself for each call. Like an out of body experience, she separates herself from her own thoughts and emotions. As soon as the helicopter lands, the world stands still and she exists entirely for her new patients. In this laser-focused state, she remains calm and knows exactly what to do. With great love, Dani provides a peaceful atmosphere for every patient, regardless of their condition and likely outcome.

Dani fell in love with long distance running as a new mother. When running, she is at peace and processes the daily trauma she witnesses. She wisely knows her limits and that she needs to refill her own cup by seeking mental and spiritual council regularly. She educates other first responders on mental health, empowers them to share their feelings and get the help they need. Her children's kindness gives Dani hope for the future. She encourages others to persist in overcoming their challenges. Dani recommends being the hero in one's own story.

- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project