A patient and his wife were celebrating their wedding anniversary. The day was bittersweet due to the news of possible metastasis of lung cancer to the patient’s brain. Luckily the patient’s nurse was already thinking of how she could make it a special day in a sad situation.

Frances traveled down to the gift shop to purchase something to make the day brighter, along the way she ran into the patient’s daughter-in-law who had brought candy and flowers for the special day. Wanting to make a difference and feeling that this could very well be their last anniversary together, Frances got busy turning the conference room into a fancy dinner, along with help from other caregivers. They were able to create a romantic dinner complete with flowers, candy and pineapple cups that Francis purchased from the gift shop. Walking the patient and his wife to the conference room was so special.

As soon as the couple saw their surprise they cried and so did everyone else. The patient’s son hugged Frances and said thank you and was emotional as well. The couple spent the next forty minutes enjoying each other’s company and having a quiet meal. The next week, so touched and appreciative of the heartwarming and special experience that Frances was able to provide to them, the couple sent cookies to the unit. Frances is always smiling and ready to help anyone she can. She exemplifies the qualities that are necessary to make an empathetic and exceptional nurse. I believe this story is exactly what the DAISY Award is all about. Thank you.