With great emotion, I nominate Haley Hensley for the DAISY Award. I wanted to find a meaningful way to recognize this nurse for the exceptional care and friendship she provided to my mother.

We met Haley in March of this year after Mom stopped chemo treatments for lung cancer that had spread to her liver and joints. Haley immediately bonded with not only Mom but also Dad. Mom eagerly awaited her visits and followed her advice like no one else. Most importantly, she trusted her.

Haley has a wonderfully pleasant demeanor and sense of humor while delivering proper care and guidance. Over the past six months, she laughed and cried with us, sharing glimpses of her personal life beyond the tough world of hospice care. Her baby's belly laugh reminded us of the preciousness of life and how it continues even in the face of death.

When Dad struggled with driving and picking up prescriptions, Haley took over, ensuring everything was ready and holding the pharmacy accountable when needed. She made sure Mom had all she needed to make her days a little easier.

I am so grateful for Haley's honesty about what to expect and for being there every step of the way, even when we moved Mom to Gladwin Pines and finally to the Toni and Trish House, where she passed away. Haley insisted on being there with us throughout.

While we would have made it through the last six months because Mom's passing was inevitable, having Haley made it transformative for those Mom left behind. Her compassion and "go above and beyond" attitude have been an incredible blessing to us and will continue to be for those she cares for. That's why I believe she is truly deserving of this award and so much more.