It is with deep gratitude and respect that I nominate Ireland Fleming for the DAISY Award. Ireland has been an extraordinary nurse during my wife's critical ICU stay and a beacon of light during the darkest and most challenging time of our lives. My wife suffered a catastrophic cardiac arrest, hemorrhagic shock, and a series of complications during the birth of our twins. The events that followed were nothing short of a nightmare. She was airlifted from Sibley Memorial Hospital to Johns Hopkins, where she was placed in the ICU in critical condition. From the moment Ireland took over her care, she became a pillar of strength and compassion—someone who not only helped save my wife’s life with her medical knowledge but also took the time to care for me, her husband, when I didn’t even realize I needed it.

Medically, Ireland was exceptional. She managed my wife's complex medications, closely monitored her blood pressure, and vigilantly watched for any complications that could threaten her already fragile condition. She noticed details about my wife’s condition that I, someone who saw her every day, may not have realized were off; it was clear that her expertise played a significant role in saving her life. However, what truly sets Ireland apart is not just her medical skill—it's her heart. In the chaos and emotional turmoil of watching my wife fight for her life, Ireland went far beyond the call of duty to support me and my family.

I stayed with my wife in the hospital 24 hours a day, every single day. During this time, Ireland was my constant advocate. She would check in on me, ask if I had eaten or drunk anything, and if I had gotten any rest. She constantly inquired about our newborn twins and offered to arrange for their transfer to Hopkins so our family could be together. She even called the NICU to arrange for me to shower there, bringing me basic necessities like soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush—simple things that I hadn’t even thought of because I was so focused on my wife. Ireland understood that I couldn’t care for my wife unless I took care of myself, and she made sure I did. 

Her compassion didn’t stop there. Whenever I had a question—whether it was about my wife's condition, treatment plans, or what was happening next—Ireland made sure to answer it thoroughly or found a doctor who could. There was never a moment where I felt lost or alone in my worries. She took the time to relate to me on a human level, listening to any concerns I had while in the hospital and ensuring they were heard. We even discovered that we both attended the same college and grew up in similar areas, allowing us to share conversations that distracted me from the intense worry I felt. She helped me feel heard, understood, and supported—not just as a husband but as a person enduring an unimaginable situation. 

Even on days when Ireland wasn’t my wife's assigned nurse, she would make it a point to stop by, if only for a moment, to check on her progress and ensure that I was okay. Her dedication to her patients—and their families—is unwavering.

The ICU can be a frightening and isolating place, but Ireland’s presence made it more manageable. She reminded my family and me that my wife was strong, young, and fighting with all her might. Ireland is not just a nurse; she is a rare combination of technical excellence and deep compassion. Her actions went far beyond the expectations of her role. She gave my family and me a sense of peace amidst the chaos, making a terrifying situation bearable. Her commitment to both my wife's well-being and mine was unparalleled. I am forever grateful for the care, attention, and empathy Ireland showed us. In a time when we felt completely powerless, she made us feel empowered, cared for, and never alone.

Ireland Fleming is truly deserving of the DAISY Award, not just for her medical brilliance but for the compassion and kindness she brings to everything she does. Thank you, Ireland, for being a light during this difficult journey. You will forever have our deepest thanks and admiration.