For Patients & Families
Daisy Award
Daisy Awards
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!
Daisy Award Winners
Joan Barnes
Joan Barnes – Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
Pine Rest Child & Adolescent Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Superhero nurse of all times.
“Joan is a wonderful example of patient care. She is thoughtful, caring and supportive.”
Michelle Colby
Michelle Colby (2021)
Pine Rest Retreat Clinic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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.”
Mallory Cook
Mallory Cook (2021)
Neuromodulation Clinic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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.”
Max Doty
Max Doty (2024)
Pine Rest Redwood Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Max is a genuine, caring, and good man. Thanks Max!"
“Working on a holiday, I’m sure he had many other things he could have done. Instead, he spent the day working. His smiling, uplifting attitude is a delight!! This is for Max.”
"Max D…elightful, you are a blessing."
Kimberley Greenwald
Kim Greenwald – Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
Pine Rest Infection Prevention Control Michigan
A tremendous impact on the health and safety of our patients and staff.
“Kim's relentless surveillance, data collection and attention to detail are unmatched. Pine Rest is a better, safer organization because of this.”
Silas Kukaewkasem
Silas Kukaewkasem (2021)
Pine Rest Admittance Team
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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.”
Valerie Muilenburg
Valerie Muilenburg (2022)
Retreat Residential Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
“A wonderful example of patient care.”
“She takes extra time to give small tokens of appreciation to others, showing them that she cares."
Bea Nagel
Bea Nagel (2021) – Lifetime Achievement Award
Utilization Management
Grand Rapids, Michigan
She embodies what it means to be a nurse.
“One of the most deserving individuals for the Lifetime Daisy Award.”
Elinor “Ellie” Pettee
Elinor “Ellie” Pettee (2021) – Lifetime Achievement Award
Partial Hospitalization Program
Grand Rapids, Michigan
She is passionate about psychiatric nursing.
“Ellie has always been a nurse educator and preceptor at heart.”
Dorothy Schans
Dorothy Schans (2021)
Pine Rest Contact Center
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dorothy went above and beyond.
“Thank you, Dorothy, you saved the day with your kindness and sense of humor!”
Mirhioll St. Amour
Mirhioll St. Amour (2025)
Pine Rest Elm Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Mirhioll, thank you for being so kind. You showed me great compassion and care ... Keep being amazing!"
“Mirhioll really went out of her way to make me feel supported during my stay.”
Brittany Taylor
Brittany Taylor (2022)
Elm Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
“So compassionate, friendly and always on top of her staff at all times.”
“She has the humility and wisdom to treat me with respect and as a real human being."
Desiree Thomas
Desiree Thomas
Aspen Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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.”
Jessie VanZeelt
Jessie VanZeelt
Aspen Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"She is a nurse who is caring, goes above and beyond and is good at what she does."
“She is an absolute angel among us!”
Christy Zuidema
Christy Zuidema
Hickory Unit
Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Nurses really are angels and Christy was my angel ... I can never thank her enough for her kindness."
“We’re so fortunate to have her here at Pine Rest!”
