My mother is deaf, and when she was admitted to the ICU, she was extremely anxious about the communication barriers she might face.  From the moment Ellissa met my mother, she went above and beyond to make sure every concern was heard and understood.  She even took the initiative to learn sign language, asking me about apps like Lingavao so she could communicate more effectively.

Ellissa’s dedication and genuine compassion shone through as she quickly picked up sign language skills, enabling her to understand and address my mother’s needs – especially her pain and comfort levels -without any misunderstanding.  My mother felt so supported and safe that she didn’t want to leave the ICU, largely because Elissa created such a smooth and reassuring experience. 

Ellissa embodies the very spirit of nursing: empathy, patience, and a true commitment to holistic care.  She turned what could have been an isolating experience for my mother into one filled with trust and comfort.  I am deeply grateful for her kindness and believe she wholeheartedly deserves to be recognized with the DAISY Award.