Sarah Durden
February 2026
Sarah
Durden
,
BSN, RN
UNC Health Womens Services at Southeastern Health Park
UNC Health Womens Services at Southeastern Health Park
Lumberton
,
NC
United States
She wasn’t on duty, she didn’t know him, but she chose to go above and beyond.
My father-in-law was in a serious motorcycle accident, and in those critical first moments, it was an off-duty nurse, Sarah Durden, who stopped to help. Though she had already passed by, she turned around when she noticed the motorcycle in the ditch, an action that speaks to her heart and calling as a nurse. When she reached him, he was unconscious with no movement on his left side. Sarah immediately took control of the situation, provided care to prevent further injury, reassured him, and ensured LifeFlight was dispatched quickly. Her calmness, skill, and compassion in the midst of chaos made all the difference. She wasn’t on duty, she didn’t know him, but she chose to go above and beyond. Sarah truly embodies what the DAISY Award represents: compassion, skill, and extraordinary humanity. To our family, she is both a hero and an angel, and we are forever grateful for her care that day.