CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The memories created in a hallway at Novant’s Hemby Children’s Hospital are ones most parents would rather forget. That’s why it's such a surprise Emily Ratliff is back.

Just seven years ago, Ratliff was at Hemby as a parent, hoping for good news.

Ratliff's two-year-old daughter, Claire, had stage 4 neuroblastoma.  In 2012, she passed away.

“Every parent is so proud of their child and looks down on them with so much admiration but she was so tough and so sweet,” said Ratliff.

After Claire's death, Emily's mind was on when she could return to Hemby. So just a year later, she switched careers and came back, this time as a nurse assistant.

As she comforted families with familiar pain, she decided to do something else with Claire Packages. The packages are created by Emily's organization, Claire’s Army.

When children are diagnosed with cancer at Hemby, the nurse immediately brings them a package which has everything from a coffee mug to a gas card, as well as a letter.

Claire's Army also provides regular meals from nice restaurants to patients and their families.

Much of the past year has been a blur for Lauren Palmer. Around this time last year, her 3-year-old son, Jennings, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He's doing a little better today, but she can still remember the moment she got her care package.

Emily is no longer an employee here but she's a regular visitor, now fully focused on Claire's Army.​ This mom has found a way to preserve the past while guiding others, but she doesn't want to be called a hero.

“Claire was my hero. She faced it with such grace and courage...that's who I do this for. That's why I serve these families to honor her so that others feel the love that she had,” said Ratliff.

If you have an idea for our next Everyday Hero please email us at everydayheroes@charter.com.