July 2026 Honoree
Alexah Bedard, RN
There are moments in life that forever change a family. For ours, that moment came in June, when our son was hospitalized at the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center and diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-cell ALL). In what became one of the most frightening and uncertain times of our lives, one extraordinary nurse stood beside us with unwavering compassion, remarkable clinical excellence, and a heart that will forever hold a special place in our family. I have immense gratitude and admiration for Alexah.
When we arrived at the PICU, Alexah did far more than provide exceptional nursing care—she cared for our son as though he was very special. She never saw him as just another patient or another diagnosis. She saw a little boy who was scared, overwhelmed, and facing the unimaginable, and she made it her mission to ensure he never faced it alone. Alexah consistently went above and beyond in every way possible. Whether it meant staying beyond the end of her shift, taking extra time to explain complicated treatments in ways we could understand, advocating for our son when something didn't seem right, for example, lab work- or simply sitting with us during difficult moments, she always made us feel like we mattered. Her calm presence brought comfort when everything around us felt uncertain.
What sets Alexah apart is the genuine love and compassion she brings to nursing. She often reminded us that it was an honor to care for our son, but the truth is that the honor has been ours—to witness someone embody the very best of what nursing can be. Those words weren't simply spoken; they were reflected in every interaction, every reassuring smile, every encouraging conversation, and every act of kindness. Our son quickly developed complete trust in Alexah.
In the PICU, where fear could have easily overshadowed every day, she found ways to make him smile. She transformed difficult procedures into moments that felt a little less frightening. She made treatments feel less overwhelming. She laughed with him, encouraged him, celebrated his victories—no matter how small—and gave him something every child deserves during a medical crisis: moments of joy.
As parents, my wife and I were carrying an unbearable weight. Alexah helped shoulder that burden. She answered every question with patience, explained every step with clarity, and never made us feel rushed or insignificant. She recognized that healing isn't only physical—it is emotional, mental, and deeply human. Her extraordinary care has continued throughout our son’s chemotherapy and ongoing treatment. Knowing that someone so compassionate is part of his care team has brought us comfort during countless difficult days. Alexah's dedication has never wavered, and neither has the kindness she shows our family.
Nurses are often remembered for the medications they administer or the procedures they perform. We will remember Alexah for something even greater. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care, and I cannot imagine anyone more deserving than Alexah. She exemplifies excellence not only through her clinical knowledge and skill, but through her remarkable ability to connect with patients and families on a deeply personal level. She reminds us that the heart of nursing is found not only in treating disease but in caring for people.
Alexah, thank you for loving our son, believing in him, advocating for him, and being beside our family through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives. Thank you for making our son laugh when he needed it most, for earning his trust, for treating him with dignity, and for reminding us that compassion is one of the most powerful forms of healing. Our family will never forget your kindness, your strength, or your extraordinary heart.
When we arrived at the PICU, Alexah did far more than provide exceptional nursing care—she cared for our son as though he was very special. She never saw him as just another patient or another diagnosis. She saw a little boy who was scared, overwhelmed, and facing the unimaginable, and she made it her mission to ensure he never faced it alone. Alexah consistently went above and beyond in every way possible. Whether it meant staying beyond the end of her shift, taking extra time to explain complicated treatments in ways we could understand, advocating for our son when something didn't seem right, for example, lab work- or simply sitting with us during difficult moments, she always made us feel like we mattered. Her calm presence brought comfort when everything around us felt uncertain.
What sets Alexah apart is the genuine love and compassion she brings to nursing. She often reminded us that it was an honor to care for our son, but the truth is that the honor has been ours—to witness someone embody the very best of what nursing can be. Those words weren't simply spoken; they were reflected in every interaction, every reassuring smile, every encouraging conversation, and every act of kindness. Our son quickly developed complete trust in Alexah.
In the PICU, where fear could have easily overshadowed every day, she found ways to make him smile. She transformed difficult procedures into moments that felt a little less frightening. She made treatments feel less overwhelming. She laughed with him, encouraged him, celebrated his victories—no matter how small—and gave him something every child deserves during a medical crisis: moments of joy.
As parents, my wife and I were carrying an unbearable weight. Alexah helped shoulder that burden. She answered every question with patience, explained every step with clarity, and never made us feel rushed or insignificant. She recognized that healing isn't only physical—it is emotional, mental, and deeply human. Her extraordinary care has continued throughout our son’s chemotherapy and ongoing treatment. Knowing that someone so compassionate is part of his care team has brought us comfort during countless difficult days. Alexah's dedication has never wavered, and neither has the kindness she shows our family.
Nurses are often remembered for the medications they administer or the procedures they perform. We will remember Alexah for something even greater. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care, and I cannot imagine anyone more deserving than Alexah. She exemplifies excellence not only through her clinical knowledge and skill, but through her remarkable ability to connect with patients and families on a deeply personal level. She reminds us that the heart of nursing is found not only in treating disease but in caring for people.
Alexah, thank you for loving our son, believing in him, advocating for him, and being beside our family through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives. Thank you for making our son laugh when he needed it most, for earning his trust, for treating him with dignity, and for reminding us that compassion is one of the most powerful forms of healing. Our family will never forget your kindness, your strength, or your extraordinary heart.
Thank you, Alexah, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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