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
“A pillar of this hospital”: 2026 DAISY Leader Award Goes to Nursing Supervisor John Nagel
Congratulations to John Nagel, RN, 2026 winner of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, in recognition of exceptional nursing leadership!
DAISY Award Winner Grace (Eun Hye) Kim is “The Sweetest Nurse Ever”
We are pleased to recognize Grace Kim, RN, a DAISY Award honoree whose kindness, compassion and respect for others brightens days for those we serve on the Pine Rest Hickory Unit.
DAISY Champion Susie Fennema “Exemplifies Exceptional Dedication to Celebrating Our Nursing Staff”
Congratulations to our DAISY Champion, Nursing Executive Assistant Susie Fennema, and many thanks for her years of dedication to celebrating our nursing staff here at Pine Rest!
“Putting Patients First”: Kathy Speeter, RN, Honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award
We’re pleased to present the December 2025 winner of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, Kathy Speeter!
“Loved by her patients”: DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Shelley Pruiksma, RN
Congratulations to Pine Rest nurse Shelley Pruiksma, winner of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award honoring longstanding nurses who have devoted their entire careers to caring for others!
“Number one nurse in my book.” Brian Ganzevoort, RN, Receives DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence
Please join us in celebrating Brian Ganzevoort, RN, who has been recognized with the DAISY Award in appreciation of his outstanding dedication to compassionate, patient-focused care!
“One of the nicest nurses here.” DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence Goes Madyson Babbitt, RN.
Whether she’s offering a quiet word of encouragement or a laugh at just the right time, Cypress Unit nurse Mady Babbitt exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award every day!
DAISY Nurse Leader Award Goes to Detox Nurse Lisa Zwerk
Congratulations to Lisa Zwerk, MSN, RN, CARN, nursing manager at the Pine Rest Retreat Clinic and recent winner of the DAISY Award for nursing excellence!
Recognizing Excellence in Nursing: Elm Unit Nurse Mirhioll St. Amour Receives DAISY Award
Congratulations to our latest DAISY Award honoree, Elm Unit nurse Mirhioll St. Amour, RN-BSN!
Recognizing Nursing Excellence: Aspen Unit RN Jessie VanZeelt Receives DAISY Award
We are pleased to announce our most recent winner of the DAISY Award for Nursing, Aspen Unit nuse Jessie VanZeelt!