Dustin Fontana, RN, BSN, CCRN, CFRN

Some moments in life forever change a family. For our family, that moment came when our grandson was airlifted and placed into the PICU. My daughter and son-in-law had to make the unimaginable decision that no parent should have to go through: to remove life-sustaining care from their 6-month-old son. Along with prayers for baby E, we looked to God to steer the right people into our path. During our family's darkest hours, Dustin Fontana became a steady source of comfort, compassion, and grace. From the beginning, Dustin cared for our little E with kindness and genuine empathy. He didn't just provide exceptional nursing care and leadership - he cared for the hearts of our entire family. He took time to get to know them, listen, comfort, and walk this rough path alongside us, especially E's mom and dad.

What makes Dustin truly deserving of the DAISY Award is the tenderness and compassion he shared, along with his willingness to go the extra mile to care for us far beyond expectations. His presence, gentle words, and unwavering support gave my daughter and son-in-law strength to navigate the unimaginable. Knowing the trust we had built in Dustin as charge nurse, he asked a colleague to exchange shifts with him when he was supposed to be off, just so he could be there when we said our final goodbyes. That selfless act meant more than words can say. Nursing is more than the professional - administering medications and monitoring vital signs. It is about heart - showing up when people need you the most and providing comfort when words cannot take away the pain. Our prayers were answered when we crossed paths with Dustin Fontana. He exemplifies what the DAISY Award represents, and our family will forever be grateful for everything he did; we also recognize we are only one of the hundreds he encounters regularly. Dustin wasn't doing this to be nominated for an award or win any prize... this is just who he is every day. More than anything, we want Dustin to know that who he is and what he does makes a difference. He makes a difference!