May 2025
Sarah
Debenham
,
RN
Pediatrics
TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
Salisbury
United States
My daughter's strength, determination, and compassion are deeply rooted in the care she received as a child, care that Sarah Debenham so selflessly provided.
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that I nominate Sarah Debenham for the DAISY Award. Sarah cared for our daughter during several of her early hospitalizations, and her compassion and exceptional care left a lasting impression that has truly shaped the course of our daughter’s life. Our daughter was hospitalized multiple times as a young child due to severe respiratory illnesses, including RSV, pneumonia, and status asthmaticus. During these stressful and uncertain times, Sarah was a constant source of comfort and reassurance for both our daughter and our family.
I was a newlywed and a nursing student at the time, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Sarah’s presence made a difficult experience feel manageable, and her genuine compassion made our daughter feel safe and cared for. My daughter quickly grew to associate her hospital stays with one comforting question: “Is Nurse Sarah going to take care of me?” More often than not, the answer was yes. Sarah’s ability to connect with her young patients and provide not only clinical excellence but also emotional support made her unforgettable to our family. Now, years later, that early bond continues to resonate. In May 2025, my daughter will graduate from high school the day before her 18th birthday. She has been accepted to Jacksonville University, where she plans to study nursing with a minor in psychology. Her dream? To become a pediatric nurse, just like Sarah.
I was a newlywed and a nursing student at the time, navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Sarah’s presence made a difficult experience feel manageable, and her genuine compassion made our daughter feel safe and cared for. My daughter quickly grew to associate her hospital stays with one comforting question: “Is Nurse Sarah going to take care of me?” More often than not, the answer was yes. Sarah’s ability to connect with her young patients and provide not only clinical excellence but also emotional support made her unforgettable to our family. Now, years later, that early bond continues to resonate. In May 2025, my daughter will graduate from high school the day before her 18th birthday. She has been accepted to Jacksonville University, where she plans to study nursing with a minor in psychology. Her dream? To become a pediatric nurse, just like Sarah.
My daughter's strength, determination, and compassion are deeply rooted in the care she received as a child, care that Sarah Debenham so selflessly provided. Sarah may not have known it at the time, but her kindness planted a seed that has grown into a calling. Sarah, I hope you're aware of the profound impact you've had. Because of you, one very special little girl grew up knowing what it means to be seen, heard, and truly cared for—and now she wants to give that same gift to others. With heartfelt appreciation from one mama to another, thank you.