Our family would like to nominate Christina Garrison, RN, for the DAISY Award. Christina consistently went above and beyond to provide extraordinary and compassionate care for our mother. Mom spent four weeks in a University of Washington ICU, three of them at UW Montlake, where we were so very fortunate to have Christina as her nurse.

Mom was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, a rare lung disease, 2.5 years prior to being admitted. This disease required her to be on oxygen 24/7, with a flow and concentration as high as the delivery system could provide during her last weeks. Breathing was compromised by the recurring fluid buildup in her lungs, low blood pressure, and constant sciatic nerve pain. Towards the end, the very process of breathing was laborious and very painful. The most difficult part for all was her mind was clear but her body was otherwise. She knew she would not be going home, she was scared and did not want to die.

Christina was consistently attentive to Mom’s changing needs; from adjusting her position every 2 hours, tracking down a much needed protein shake, advocating for an adjustment to her pain meds, to lowering her anxiety just by being present and connecting with her. A highly knowledgeable and skilled nurse, Christina’s extraordinary care and compassion were a light when we all needed it most.

One of Mom’s final wishes was to make sure we would follow through in nominating Christina for the DAISY Award. With immense gratitude, we do so in her honor.