Mikayla Ecker, BSN, RN, CPN, APHON

Mikayla's commitment to this highly specialized role, supporting patients at a uniquely time-sensitive and vulnerable time, has created an impact that will last for years for these patients and their future. The following nomination letter was written on behalf of Kristine Corkum to put into words why Mikayla is so deserving of this award:

To whom it may concern,

I am honored to nominate Mikayla Ecker for a DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional clinical expertise, unwavering compassion, and profound impact on the patients and families she serves each day.

Mikayla serves as the Nurse Navigator for our Fertility Preservation and Reproductive Late Effects Program, a role that demands not only clinical acumen, but also extraordinary empathy and coordination. From the moment a consult is placed, she thoughtfully gathers critical clinical information-including a patient's age, pubertal status, diagnosis, and treatment plan-to ensure that each child and family receives individualized, timely, and well-informed care.

Mikayla is an outstanding communicator. She is meticulous in obtaining and verifying information, ensuring that care plans are both accurate and aligned with the patient's needs and family's goals. Equally important, she brings a warm, welcoming, and supportive presence to every interaction. Families facing overwhelming diagnoses consistently find in Mikayla a steady, compassionate advocate who helps them navigate complex and emotionally charged decisions.

Her dedication extends far beyond coordination. Mikayla tirelessly manages every aspect of care-from phone calls and clinic visits to inpatient consults, paperwork, and the highly specialized coordination of tissue handling in the operating room for ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation. She goes above and beyond to ensure seamless handoffs and thoughtful transitions of care, anticipating needs and closing gaps before they arise.

One example illustrates the depth of her commitment. A 13-year-old peripubertal boy newly diagnosed with cancer was struggling with the decision between sperm banking and proceeding with a testicular biopsy for tissue cryopreservation. Overwhelmed by his diagnosis and the urgency of treatment, he and his family initially planned for port placement and biopsy. However, on the morning of surgery, they expressed a desire to attempt sperm banking instead.

Without hesitation, Mikayla mobilized resources immediately by contacting all necessary team members and coordinating urgent sperm banking with our partners at Conceptions. When the first attempt was unsuccessful, she supported the patient's wish to try the following morning again. Mikayla seamlessly arranged off-site logistics, ensured clear communication with the care team covering the next day, and created a contingency plan should surgical intervention still be needed.

Because of her persistence, organization, and compassionate guidance, the patient was ultimately able to successfully bank sperm the next morning-preserving his future fertility potential at an incredibly vulnerable moment in his life. Mikayla's actions not only aligned care with the family's goals but also gave this young patient options and hope for his future. 

This is just one example among many. Mikayla consistently demonstrates extraordinary dedication, advocacy, and compassion, and her work has meaningfully impacted countless families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

For her clinical excellence, tireless advocacy, and deeply human approach to care, I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the DAISY Award than Mikayla Ecker.