Daisy Award
Thank a Nurse. Share Your Story.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org.
Please say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse made a difference you will never forget!
Past Daisy Award Winners
Joan
Pine Rest Child & Adolescent Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Joan Barnes – Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
Superhero nurse of all times.
“Joan is a wonderful example of patient care. She is thoughtful, caring and supportive.”
Superhero Nurse Joan Barnes Honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award (12/21/21)
Michelle
Pine Rest Retreat Clinic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Michelle Colby (2021)
The nurse that helped save my life.
“I will forever be grateful for her, and I still think about her as the best nurse I’ve ever had.”
Detox RN Michelle Colby Wins DAISY Award (12/13/21)
Silas
Pine Rest Admittance Team
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Silas Kukaewkasem (2021)
He truly feels like a knight in shining armor.
“Silas has the most positive attitude ever. He shows up at exactly the time he is needed and always with a smile.”
DAISY Award Goes to Knight in Shining Armor Nurse Silas Kukaewkasem (10/4/21)
Dorothy
Pine Rest Contact Center
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dorothy Schans (2021)
Dorothy went above and beyond.
“Thank you, Dorothy, you saved the day with your kindness and sense of humor!”
Pine Rest Nurse Dorothy Schans Honored with DAISY Award (8/24/21)
Bea
Utilization Management
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Bea Nagel (2021) – Lifetime Achievement Award
She embodies what it means to be a nurse.
“One of the most deserving individuals for the Lifetime Daisy Award.”
Utilization Management RN Bea Nagel Honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement (7/1/21)
Ellie
Partial Hospitalization Program
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Elinor “Ellie” Pettee (2021) – Lifetime Achievement Award
She is passionate about psychiatric nursing.
“Ellie has always been a nurse educator and preceptor at heart.”
Elinor “Ellie” Pettee Caps 52-Year Nursing Career with Lifetime DAISY Award (6/11/21)
Mallory
Neuromodulation Clinic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Mallory Cook (2021)
She has so much empathy and is gifted in making people feel understood.
“Mal is one of the most positive, caring, and compassionate people I have ever met.”
DAISY Winner Mallory Cook, RN, Makes Lasting Impact for TMS Patients (4/13/21)
Briana
Child and Adolescent Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Briana Cannon (2020)
She has always been there to listen and talk to.
“All of the nurses go above and beyond, but Bri always tops the cake.”
DAISY Award Goes to Child & Adolescent Nurse Briana Cannon (10/27/20)
Desiree
Aspen Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Desiree Thomas
She is the embodiment of empathy, kindness, and competence.
“Desiree is a very caring and loving nurse. Always asked if she could help in any way. She also cared about my emotional and physical needs- very caring and loving.”
“Desiree epitomizes what a good nurse should be. She is the embodiment of empathy, kindness, and competence. She offered support and comfort when I needed it most.”
“Desiree is a lovely person and totally deserves to be acknowledged for that! She made my stay bearable by offering me exactly what I needed- empathy and kindness, while never talking down to me or making me feel less than a valued human being.”