September 2026 Honoree
Sarah Dunn, RN
It began on a snowy November evening, just two days before my scheduled C-section, when our daughter arrived unexpectedly and urgently. We anticipated a routine delivery, followed by a brief stay in the Mother-Baby unit and a quick return home. Unfortunately, our full-term newborn was unable to regulate her blood sugar levels and required admission to the NICU.
What followed was an overwhelming wave of emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty—for both my husband and me. On our first day, we were reassured by resident physicians that our daughter’s stay would likely be brief, described as “a day or two.” While well-intentioned, these assurances did not fully prepare us for the reality we were about to face.
When we entered the NICU for the first time, we met Sarah Dunn. From that moment forward, her presence made an immeasurable difference in our experience. Sarah approached us with a calm confidence, compassion, and professionalism that immediately put us at ease. She took the time to listen to our concerns and patiently answered every question we had.
Most importantly, Sarah was the first person who spoke to us with honesty and transparency about our daughter’s condition and what her NICU journey might entail. While difficult to hear, her candor and clarity allowed us to begin processing the reality of the situation and prepare ourselves emotionally.
Although our daughter’s stay was relatively short, it was one of the most challenging weeks of our lives. Throughout that time, Sarah supported us with remarkable empathy and grace. She not only provided exceptional clinical care to our daughter but also extended genuine compassion to our entire family.
She recognized and supported me as a new mother navigating unexpected challenges. She acknowledged my husband’s emotional experience as a new father, standing by during a frightening and uncertain time. She even considered the impact on our five-year-old son, who struggled to understand why his parents were absent and why his baby sister was not coming home.
Sarah’s impact reached far beyond the bedside. To this day, our son asks if he can “go visit Sarah at the hospital,” a reflection of the connection and comfort she provided during such a difficult time.
As a nurse myself, I have always held deep respect for healthcare professionals. However, this experience gave me an even greater appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and compassion that NICU nurses demonstrate every day. I truly believe that our positive experience during such a stressful and emotional time would not have been possible without Sarah.
She made an enduring impact on our entire family, and her commitment to both her patients and their loved ones is something I will carry with me always. Sarah Dunn exemplifies the very essence of the DAISY Award through her clinical excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient- and family-centered care.
What followed was an overwhelming wave of emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty—for both my husband and me. On our first day, we were reassured by resident physicians that our daughter’s stay would likely be brief, described as “a day or two.” While well-intentioned, these assurances did not fully prepare us for the reality we were about to face.
When we entered the NICU for the first time, we met Sarah Dunn. From that moment forward, her presence made an immeasurable difference in our experience. Sarah approached us with a calm confidence, compassion, and professionalism that immediately put us at ease. She took the time to listen to our concerns and patiently answered every question we had.
Most importantly, Sarah was the first person who spoke to us with honesty and transparency about our daughter’s condition and what her NICU journey might entail. While difficult to hear, her candor and clarity allowed us to begin processing the reality of the situation and prepare ourselves emotionally.
Although our daughter’s stay was relatively short, it was one of the most challenging weeks of our lives. Throughout that time, Sarah supported us with remarkable empathy and grace. She not only provided exceptional clinical care to our daughter but also extended genuine compassion to our entire family.
She recognized and supported me as a new mother navigating unexpected challenges. She acknowledged my husband’s emotional experience as a new father, standing by during a frightening and uncertain time. She even considered the impact on our five-year-old son, who struggled to understand why his parents were absent and why his baby sister was not coming home.
Sarah’s impact reached far beyond the bedside. To this day, our son asks if he can “go visit Sarah at the hospital,” a reflection of the connection and comfort she provided during such a difficult time.
As a nurse myself, I have always held deep respect for healthcare professionals. However, this experience gave me an even greater appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and compassion that NICU nurses demonstrate every day. I truly believe that our positive experience during such a stressful and emotional time would not have been possible without Sarah.
She made an enduring impact on our entire family, and her commitment to both her patients and their loved ones is something I will carry with me always. Sarah Dunn exemplifies the very essence of the DAISY Award through her clinical excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to patient- and family-centered care.
Thank you, Sarah, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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