I am writing to nominate Francisco for the DAISY Award in recognition of the exceptional, compassionate care he provided during my recent visit to AdventHealth ER Millenia.

I came to the emergency room with a sinus infection, but I was also carrying something heavier—fear and hesitation about seeking treatment because I don't have insurance. From the moment Francisco began caring for me, he made it clear that my health mattered, regardless of my insurance status.

What stood out most was how he treated me with the same priority and attention he would give anyone else. When I expressed hesitation about testing due to cost concerns, Francisco didn’t brush past my worries or make me feel like a burden. Instead, he took the time to reassure me and actively found resources to help me access the care I needed. That simple act of advocacy removed a tremendous weight from my shoulders during an already stressful time.

Throughout my visit, Francisco’s warmth made the ER feel less clinical and more human. He joked around with me, talked to me like a friend, and even offered me blankets to make sure I was comfortable. When everything was done, he told me I “took everything like a champ” and that I was kind. Words that might seem small, but meant everything to someone who had walked in feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

Francisco didn’t just treat my sinus infection; he saw me as a person who deserved care and respect, not as someone whose lack of insurance made them less important. I left that ER feeling better physically, yes, but also feeling like I mattered. That’s the kind of nurse who makes people feel seen and cared for — simply because they’re human.