Bridget Brower, BSN RN

My son, Z, received his first liver transplant in 2022 at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California. Approximately six months later, he experienced serious complications that ultimately required a second transplant. Given the extraordinary complexity of his case, Z relocated from California—and I from Colorado—to seek care at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Before I share accolades and ooze our deep admiration for Bridget, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the entire Mayo organization. My dad received care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in the 1980s, so my respect for Mayo runs deep. I am also a nurse, with over 40 years in healthcare, including executive leadership roles at some of the nation's leading healthcare organizations. I have witnessed healthcare at its best—and at its most strained. In a world where challenges can feel overwhelming, and the burdens on care teams are heavy, I tell people, "I've seen the promised land, and it is The Mayo Clinic."

Every aspect of Z's care has been exceptional, but this nomination is about Bridget. Z remained on the transplant list for nearly a year, navigating many clinic visits, procedures, labs, and moments of uncertainty. Throughout this journey, while every physician, NP, PA, and staff member was exceptional, Bridget was a constant source of reassurance, information, and encouragement. She was unfailingly positive, consistently responsive, and always cheering Z on. Z received his second liver transplant at Mayo in September 2025. To describe his surgical and post-op course as rocky would be an understatement. I know with absolute certainty that if it were not for his young age and the extraordinary care provided by Mayo Clinic, he would not be here today. Our gratitude is immeasurable. The nursing staff at Mayo Clinic is phenomenal. From the ICU—where Z spent more than three weeks—to the transplant unit during multiple admissions, I have been in awe of the nurses. And yet, Bridget stands out.

She embodies what nursing should be: clinically exceptional, deeply compassionate, highly professional, and a great listener. She recognized that Z is a very well-informed, educated patient and communicates with respect and transparency. She even came out to the lobby just to check on him, even though she wasn't the nurse assigned to his visit that day. As if that were not enough, Bridget recently told Z that Mayo had given employees a small amount of money and encouraged them to pay it forward with an act of kindness. She told Z she couldn't think of anyone more deserving and gave him a gift card with an encouraging note inside. That simple, deeply personal gesture meant more to him (and me) than she could ever know. Bridget exemplifies every quality one hopes for in a nurse: clinical excellence, compassion, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to going above and beyond for her patients. She most deserves the DAISY Award and truly reflects Mayo Clinic's values. Congratulations, Bridget—and congratulations to the Mayo Clinic for cultivating such extraordinary nurses.