I want to recognize Peyton Johnson for her extraordinary clinical skill, compassion, and humanity while caring for a younger patient who was awaiting brain death testing. Prior to this day, Peyton had formed a genuine bond with his loved ones, including his two small children, ages 6 and 1. On the day of his brain death testing and confirmation, Peyton was not just a skilled ICU nurse managing patient care; she was a source of strength, comfort, and love for a family whose world was falling apart.

She expertly managed the patient's extremely complex critical-care needs, including numerous drips and devices, but never lost sight of the patient's loved ones. She kept the family fully informed, coordinated effortlessly with providers, shared hope, and made sure everyone felt supported and cared for.

Most outstandingly, Peyton dedicated much of her day to the patient's six-year-old daughter, spending much of the day doing arts and crafts with her so she could feel close to her dad. They completed memory stones, allowing her to place her dad's fingerprints on the stones. With Arts and Healing's help, they were able to record her dad's heartbeat and put it inside a stuffed animal for her and her younger sibling.

After all of this, the little girl was ready for more arts and crafts with Peyton and her dad, so Peyton found innovative ways to craft with her! Peyton had numerous other nurses go in to look at her crafts, and she was extremely proud of what she had created with her dad.

Peyton wrapped this family in warmth, kindness, and grace during a moment when they needed it most. She didn't just care for a patient; she cared for hearts that were breaking. The impact she made will stay with this family forever.