From a Patient's Daughter:

I would like to recognize—while humbly remaining anonymous—the extraordinary care provided by one of your nurses during my father's hospital stay. This nurse went above and beyond, offering compassion and kindness without ever asking for anything in return.

In a moment of crisis and uncertainty, Nurse Penny Summers from the PACU was the only one who truly stepped in and showed genuine compassion when no one else did. The patient (my father) had arrived at the ER in significant pain, accompanied by his wife (my mother) and daughter (me).

His wife, who speaks limited English, was visibly distressed—not just because of his condition, but also because of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the situation. To make things more difficult, the family was told they had to leave due to hospital policy, even though it was clear how overwhelmed and anxious his wife was.

After nearly 20 hours of waiting for surgery due to doctor availability, we finally encountered Nurse Penny Summers—but not in the ER. She was not the patient’s primary nurse. We met her after the surgery only briefly, in the recovery room, during what would be our last hour at the hospital.

And yet, in that short time, she made a profound impact. As a woman of faith, his wife described Penny as an angel—someone who appeared just when she was needed most.

Penny’s empathy, emotional support, and calming presence brought peace and comfort not only to my father, who became noticeably more relaxed and at ease, but also to his wife and daughter, who had been carrying the weight of fear and uncertainty for hours. Amid this emotional and tense situation, Nurse Penny showed what it truly means to be a nurse.

She offered warm blankets, soothing words, and a quiet, gentle presence when others seemed to overlook our emotional needs. Her small but meaningful gestures brought warmth and dignity to a time that could have otherwise felt cold and clinical. Rather than simply focusing on medical tasks, she honored our family’s emotional and human needs—providing warm water for comfort, a reassuring presence to calm us, and thoughtful care that spoke louder than words.

She never sought praise or recognition, but her human-first approach left a lasting impression. Because of her, my father felt genuinely cared for—not just treated. And I, as his family, felt seen, supported, and less alone. Nurse Penny created a moment of healing and humanity during one of the hardest times in our lives.

I am deeply grateful for this selfless nurse who exemplified kindness, compassion, and dedication. She deserves recognition for the powerful impact she made on our well-being and for reminding us of all that exceptional care truly looks like.

From Penny's Nurse Manager:

It is an absolute honor to stand here today to recognize an extraordinary nurse—Penny—who truly embodies the heart and soul of nursing. In a moment filled with fear, pain, and uncertainty, Penny was more than just a nurse—she was a light. This family referred to Penny as if an angel that had stepped into the room.

She was calm, present, and deeply compassionate. She didn’t just tend to the patient's medical needs—she tended to his heart. With gentle words, a warm blanket, and the quiet confidence of someone who truly cares, Penny brought peace not only to the patient in his vulnerable post-surgical state but also to the family.

In a hospital full of people doing their jobs, Penny did something more. She connected. She noticed their pain. She listened. She showed us what it truly means to be a nurse.

Today, we honor Penny with the DAISY Award not just for what she did in that hour—but for who she is: a nurse whose compassion, empathy, and quiet strength make all the difference in the world.

Penny, thank you.

You may not have realized how much that moment meant—but we will never forget it.