Burlington, VT – Vanessa Defayette, BSN, RN-C, is known around UVM Children’s Hospital for excelling in patient care, being a tireless advocate for patients and families, and going above and beyond every shift – whether she is providing bedside care or acting as the charge nurse for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

This evening, as the Boston Red Sox face the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Defayette will be among 10 nurses honored on the field during Red Sox Nurse Night 2025. The annual pregame event, which will be at 6:45 pm, honors nurses and the work they do caring for patients and families. 

“Vanessa is a wife, mother and amazing NICU nurse,” wrote Christine Moon, RN, who nominated Defayette for the on-field recognition. “Vanessa uses humor to lighten everyone around her … and demonstrates compassion with parents and loving care of their infants in the NICU.” 

After being nominated, Defayette and other nominees rallied friends, family and members of the community to vote for them. Once the field was whittled down to 35 finalists, a month-long voting process determined the winners. The 10 nurses who received the most votes will be honored on the field before today’s game. The top vote-getter will throw out the game’s first pitch. 

While Defayette won’t throw out the first pitch, she and her family – who are all staunch Red Sox fans – are thrilled to be a part of the game and the ceremony. Defayette, who is a Massachusetts native, will be accompanied at the game by her husband, Joe, and three of their children – Madilyn, 18; Jack, 11, and Caroline, 6. She said the entire family is excited to add the experience to their shared Red Sox fandom. 

“It’s just one of those things we like to do,” she said. “They (the kids) are so excited – and of course, Jack thinks I’m a local hero because I’m going to be on the field.” 

At 11 years old, Jack is on to something, say Defayette’s colleagues: his mom is a hero to kids and families every single day. 

“Vanessa excels in patient care and is an incredible advocate for patients and families,” said Brittney Accavallo, APRN, BSN, MSN. “She is kind and caring and has an incredible sense of humor. She can relate to anyone, and that really shows with these babies and families.” 

Defayette, who has been a NICU nurse for nearly 20 years, joined UVM Children’s Hospital’s NICU team full-time in 2022. 

“She’s just a joy,” said Brooke Cyr, RN, BSN, a fellow NICU nurse and Red Sox fan. “Vanessa always makes our families feel welcomed in what can be a very scary place – and she’s wonderful to her coworkers too. I’m so grateful she’s part of our team.” 

Defayette, for her part, said she’s been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm which propelled her to Thursday evening’s on-field appearance. She’s excited to be on the homefield of her favorite Major League Baseball team, and honored by the outpouring of positive sentiment that helped her get there. 

“It just feels special that people feel like I deserve this,” said Defayette. “You don’t go into nursing for the notoriety or the awards. You do it because it’s your passion. It makes me feel really special and like I’ve made a difference; that people care about me and want to support me.” 

According to MLB.com, tonight’s game can be watched on NESN or, if you live outside the club’s media market, on MLB Network. You can listen to the came on WEEI 93.7, WCCM 1490 AM (SP), WESX 1230 AM (SP).