I’d like to nominate Nurse Marina for the DAISY Award for the exceptional care she provided to my uncle during his recent admission to 7S following a fall at home. Not only was he from out of town, but he was also navigating the challenges of a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis—a situation that has been incredibly difficult for our family.

Marina, along with her nursing student, went above and beyond by encouraging my uncle to eat and drink—something that had been a major hurdle in his care. As anyone who has cared for a loved one with pancreatic cancer knows, getting them to eat is a constant struggle. Her gentle persistence and support made a meaningful difference in his hospital stay.

Beyond her clinical skill, Marina made our entire family feel at ease while my uncle was under her care. Both my uncle and his wife were in a new and unfamiliar environment as they were out of state, and Marina made them feel incredibly safe. It was especially comforting that she could communicate with my uncle and his wife in their native language, something that made them feel truly seen and understood. Her ability to explain things with clarity, kindness, and empathy made all the difference in our experience.

Marina exemplifies what it means to be a compassionate and culturally competent nurse, and we are deeply grateful for the care she gave during such a vulnerable time for our family.