[
](http://www.embarque.com/)
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts are proud to announce Kelly Butler, an Indianapolis, Ind. resident, as a 2014 honoree of the Colts Anthem Angels program, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Butler will be recognized at the Colts home game this Sunday, December 14, 2014, for her outstanding contributions to the community.
* *
In her role as an NICU nurse, Kelly Butler has made an impact on countless families with newborns requiring immediate medical attention. At a time when families are often distraught and frightened, Kelly has been known to surpass expectations and soothe fears in showing compassion not only for her tiniest patients but also for their concerned families.
Kelly's nominator told the story of her daughter's birth six weeks early. Kelly was the first person to hold the baby after the doctor, at which point she held up the infant so the worried parents could see her before she was taken to the NICU. Just a few hours later, Kelly sent pictures of the newest member of the family to the mother and father who'd had only moments to meet her. Years later, the baby's mother still cherishes those first pictures, along with other "Baby's First" moments Kelly captured. She also decorated the baby's isolette, educated the parents in caring for a preemie, and kept the flow of pictures steady for the thirteen days the newborn spent in the NICU.
Speaking to her actions Kelly reports, "My job is also to help the family bond and be prepared for their future. That little person is his or her parents' entire world, not just my patient. So the goal is not only to care physically and emotionally for that baby but for the family as well."
Her nominator continues, "Nurse Butler will forever be an angel to our family, and many other families...I will never forget the kindness Nurse Butler poured into the lives of everyone in the NICU. Nurse Butler's actions and compassion were above and beyond what any job description could try to define. I am so thankful that Nurse Butler was on duty when our daughter decided to enter the world."
Kelly remains in contact with many of the families and patients she treats, taking joy in watching the children grow and reach milestones. For the kindness she shows to growing families we congratulate Anthem Angel Kelly Butler.
"Anthem Angels…Honoring Everyday Heroes" was established by the Indianapolis Colts and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to pay tribute to Hoosier "First Respondents" who may have received little or no recognition for the strides they have made to help others in human-service related professions.
* *
In honor of Butler's heroism, she will receive four (4) VIP Club Seat Tickets to the Colts game, a feature story with her photo in the Colts gameday magazine (the Scout) and on www.colts.com, as well as on-field recognition at the game.
