When our five-day-old daughter was urgently transferred to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, we were overwhelmed, terrified, and unsure of what to expect. From the moment we arrived, Nurse Lindsey became a source of calm, clarity, and care, not just for our daughter, but for our entire family.

Lindsey ensured that our daughter was as comfortable as possible, even while struggling to breathe. She moved quickly and skillfully, advocating on our daughter's behalf to get her the critical care she needed. What truly set Lindsey apart was her compassion and emotional intelligence. She understood not only the medical needs of our baby but also the emotional toll this experience was taking on us as parents.

As we learned to navigate the complexities of a large teaching hospital, Lindsey served as our trusted guide. She patiently explained the roles of students, residents, fellows, and attendings, helping us understand the medical hierarchy. Whenever a new procedure was on the horizon, whether it was intubation, CPAP, an MRI, an endoscopy, or surgery, Lindsey took time to prepare us thoroughly. She explained what to expect, helped us formulate questions to ask the care team, and answered every one of our concerns with grace and humility.

Lindsey's empathy was not just evident in her words but in her actions. She treated our daughter with the tenderness and protectiveness of a mother. When painful procedures were necessary, she often asked for help from other nurses because, in her words, she was "too invested in this case." We could see it in her eyes when our daughter hurt, Lindsey hurt too. During a bedside endoscopy, I glanced at her and saw the same look of distress that was on my wife's and my face. That kind of emotional investment is rare and deeply meaningful .

She also made practical, thoughtful efforts to reduce our stress. When we stepped out of the NICU, she kept track of where we were so she could ensure we didn't miss visits from specialists. When a surgeon wanted to take our daughter back for surgery in the early hours of the morning, it was Lindsey who made sure we were notified first, giving us the chance to be present. Lindsey didn't just care for our daughter, she cared with us. She brought transparency, trust, and a fierce commitment to doing what was best for our little one. Her ability to balance expert clinical care with deep compassion is a gift, and she gave that gift to us every day she was on shift.

We were able to relax, even just a little, because we knew that Lindsey was watching over our daughter as if she were her own. That trust is something we will never forget. Lindsey embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. She is skilled, compassionate, and wholly dedicated to the families she serves. We are forever grateful for the care she gave our daughter and for the way she carried us through one of the hardest times of our lives.