Steve was the first nurse who cared for my son, J, when we were admitted to City of Hope, and he set the tone for our entire stay. From day one, he made us feel welcomed and supported. J was scared and overwhelmed by all the new procedures, but Steve’s calm and patient manner helped him settle in. He treated J with genuine kindness, and that meant so much to us. When J developed severe mucositis and needed to use the suction constantly, Steve’s actions really stood out. He paid attention to things that others often overlooked. Every time the suction bucket filled up, Steve was the only one who cleaned it, every single time. It may seem like a small task, but to us it showed his integrity and the pride he takes in caring for his patients.

What we appreciated most was that Steve didn’t just do his job. He truly cared about J as a person. He listened to him, talked to him in a way that made him feel respected, and always included him in what was happening. He made J feel seen and valued, not just as a patient but as a kid going through something very hard. Steve also shows trailblazing qualities in the way he approaches care. He leads with compassion and sets an example for others around him. You can see that he strives to create an environment where families feel safe, included, and supported. We are very grateful for everything Steve did for J and for us. His compassion, integrity, and the way he treats every patient with dignity truly represent what the DAISY Award is all about.