When my dad was admitted to Saint Mary's Hospital after suffering a heart attack, it was one of the most terrifying moments of our lives. As his daughter, I felt helpless watching him go through such a serious, life-threatening experience, especially knowing that he would need not just one, but two surgeries to place stents in his heart. The fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming weight of it all, it’s something I’ll never forget. When I left him at the hospital late Friday night, I was sick with worry—not just about his condition, but about how he’d manage through the night without me there to help him communicate. His first language is Spanish, and I knew how vulnerable he might feel if he couldn’t fully understand or be understood. I barely slept that night, imagining all the things that could go wrong. But everything changed Saturday morning when I met Jane.

Many nurses cared for my dad during his stay, and we’re grateful to all of them. But there was one who stood out in a way that touched our hearts forever—Jane. Although Spanish isn’t Jane’s first language, she spoke to my dad in fluent, caring Spanish. And it wasn’t just the words—it was the comfort, the kindness, and the connection she created with him. She made him feel safe in a place that could’ve felt cold and overwhelming. She took the time to explain what was happening, made sure he understood, and gave him the confidence to speak up when he needed something. She showed him how to use the call button and reassured him that it was okay to ask for help, no matter what the situation was. These might sound like small things, but to a man recovering from two heart procedures, away from family and unsure if anyone could understand him, they were everything. Jane helped turn fear into trust, confusion into clarity. She reminded us that compassion still exists in this world—in the most human, simple, and profound ways. Jane didn’t just care for my dad; she connected with him. Her ability to speak to him in his own language, even though it isn’t her first, showed a level of empathy and effort that went far beyond expectations.

She made him feel understood, respected, and genuinely cared for. That connection wasn’t part of her job description—it came from who she is. And it turned a frightening experience into one filled with reassurance and humanity. In a world where language and culture can so easily become barriers, Jane built a bridge—with grace, patience, and a heart full of empathy. She gave my dad dignity in a vulnerable moment and gave our family peace of mind during a nightmare we never expected to face. Jane is everything the DAISY Award stands for. Her care went beyond medicine—it was human. It was heartfelt. We will always be grateful to her.