My grandfather was a patient at UMC-Tucson for over three weeks this summer. He slipped and fell while getting out of the shower, which caused a laceration close to his pacemaker. Little did we know that he would need to undergo lung surgery and spend almost a month in ICU.

During my grandfather’s stay, my grandmother’s health declined, and she was placed on end-of-life palliative care. She had dementia and lived in a facility for the past four years. My grandfather would visit her daily, recently going twice a day to make sure she got enough to eat at lunch and dinner.

As A family, we felt it was very important to have someone with my grandmother and grandfather 24/7. We completely trusted staff at both facilities, but my grandfather needed support to push through his recovery, and it brought him great peace to know someone would be with my grandmother at her exact time of her passing.

I had the pleasure of spending three nights at the ICU with my grandfather. This time included the night my grandmother passed and the following days in which we told him about her passing. I provide this context because I cannot say enough great things about all the staff at Banner. However, there was on nurse in particular who I believe went above and beyond with his care for my grandfather.

Adam Cohen was my grandfather’s day shift nurse for three days in a row, including the day my grandfather learned of his wife of more that 65 years had passed. Adam exhibited such care and regard for the entire family’s feelings. He was sensitive to making sure my grandfather continued to receive the topnotch medical care he needed, but also the mental support to overcome such a hard thing to process. When my grandfather woke up the day of Adam’s fist shift with him, he declared that he was turning a corner. Three hours later we shared with him that his wife had passed.

It would have been easy for my grandfather to slip and not progress in his recovery. A lot of odds were against him – he is 88, prior lung damage, a pacemaker, walking with a cane. I credit Adam for making sure my grandfather pushed through for himself and his family. He had some of his best days with Adam as his nurse. He allowed Adam to get him out of bed and on the recliner. Adam made sure my father, my grandfather’s primary caregiver, was there with respiratory therapy, physical therapy and rounds. He made sure my grandfather was getting enough calories by storing his favorite Ensure drinks in the fridge and special delivering the protein ice cream. He kept the same smile on his face when my grandfather was prodding about his personal life as he did when he had to change his bedding. You genuinely felt the care Adam had for his patients in those moments.

Adam was also kind to me. He understood that losing you grandmother and watching you grandfather fight for his life is hard, all while trying to keep a brave/strong face for everyone. He shared personal anecdotes that really allowed us to instantly trust him. This was all while he was caring for other patients who were not as fortunate to make it out of the ICU. The strength it must take to navigate between two patients, both fighting for their lives, but in different ways and with different outcomes.

I believe Adam embodies all that the DAISY Award stands for and more.