I am nominating Mariah G for the DAISY Award because of the extraordinary, compassionate, and trauma-informed care she provided during my recent visit to the UW ER for a blood pressure incident. Mariah was on duty overnight in the UW ER. I live with diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and I had never had an IV before - something that was deeply triggering and frightening for me.

Mariah recognized my distress and responded with compassion, patience, and respect. She took the time to speak calmly, explain every step, and reassure me. Her genuine concern for my well-being was evident in every interaction with her. As someone who trains others in trauma-informed care, I was incredibly moved by how naturally and thoroughly Mariah exemplified its principles. She created emotional safety, offered transparency, and gave me a sense of control and confidence in a situation that felt incredibly overwhelming. She acknowledged my fear without judgment and met it with empathy, not dismissal. Even small things - like checking in on me before her break - communicated that I mattered.

Mariah was incredibly knowledgeable and professional, answering my questions (sometimes the same question, multiple times) with clarity and care. She respected my need to understand what was happening to my body and took the time to educate me in a way that was comforting and empowering. She brought a calm, confident energy that made it easier for me to trust - which is not always easy for trauma survivors.

Mariah demonstrated a commitment to excellence in every sense - not just in skill and medical knowledge, but in the deeply human ways that can sometimes be overlooked. Her care was patient-centered, trauma-informed, and compassionate. She treated me as a person - not a task or diagnosis. Mariah deserves to be recognized for her ability to blend clinical excellence with emotional intelligence and patient safety. I am truly grateful for her care.