Our daughter, L, was admitted to the NYU Langone Pediatric Unit after experiencing another episode of lethargy at 2 weeks old. As parents, there is no fear greater than watching your baby become unresponsive and not knowing why. We had already been through so much, from the initial emergency that brought L to the hospital after being revived by my husband, to her NICU stay, and returning to the hospital stirred up every ounce of anxiety we thought we had overcome. It was during this difficult and emotional time that we met Nurse Blal Elsayed, whose kindness, calmness, and compassion truly made all the difference. 

From the moment he entered our room, Blal carried himself with quiet confidence and deep empathy. He took the time to explain every step of L’s care plan, speaking gently and reassuringly so that we understood what was happening and why. His communication was exceptional: clear, honest, and always centered around making us feel informed and involved. He didn’t just care for L; he cared for us as parents who were scared and exhausted. 

Throughout our stay, Blal went above and beyond. He checked in on L frequently, even when it wasn’t his direct responsibility at that moment. He noticed small things, like when we hadn’t eaten or when our anxiety was showing, and would take a moment to ask if we needed anything or if we had questions. He treated L as if she were his own child, speaking to her softly, making sure she was comfortable, and celebrating the little improvements that meant so much to us. 

What stood out most was his genuine compassion. There was never a sense of hurry or indifference in his care. When L’s monitors beeped or her feeding was slow, Blal didn’t just adjust numbers or jot notes; he stayed by her side, watching carefully, explaining what he was doing, and ensuring we felt reassured. He created a sense of safety in a situation that felt terrifying. 

In moments when I was overwhelmed, his calm energy grounded me. When I had questions about L’s glucose levels or her feeding, he took the time to explain the details in a way I could understand, never making me feel like a burden. His patience, empathy, and professionalism reflected the true heart of nursing. 

Blal turned a frightening hospitalization into an experience defined by trust and compassion. His gentle communication and consistent attentiveness gave us peace of mind when we needed it most. As parents navigating uncertainty, his care was a reminder that nursing is not only about medical skill, it’s about humanity, connection, and the ability to bring comfort during chaos. 

We are deeply grateful for Nurse Blal Elsayed’s exceptional care. He exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents: skill, empathy, and the ability to heal not only patients but families as a whole. His presence made a lasting impact on us and on L’s journey toward recovery.

Note: This is Blal's 2nd DAISY Award!