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 DAISY Lifetime I

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.”

NEWS Michelle Colby DAISY

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.”

DAISY Silas Kukaewkasem IV

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.”

Dorothy Schans DAISY I

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!”

Bea Nagel DAISY Lifetime I 1

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.”

DAISY Lifetime Award Ellie Pettee

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.”

DAISY Award Mallory Cook

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.”

Desiree Thomas DAISY Award

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.”

DAISY Brittany Taylor One

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."