M worked in the dietary department for many years. Most recently, M was a familiar face in the C-Store/Coffee Shop. In 2024, M had to take a brief medical leave to undergo a knee replacement. M’s best friend, J, worked alongside her in the Coffee Shop. M and J talked every day. Two days passed without phone contact with M. J knew something was wrong and went to her home, only to find her friend M deceased. M was just days away from being able to return to work from her medical leave. Employees were sad to learn M left us too soon.
 
M’s grave went months without a headstone, nor anyone to purchase one for this sweet lady. Upon learning of M’s grave without a marker, Sara Dothard jumped into action. Sara set up a GoFundMe account for the purpose of buying the marker M so deserved. Sara did not stop with the purchase of a headstone for M. Sara learned that M’s Mother, buried alongside her, did not have one either. She obtained funds to not only make sure this well-liked employee had a marker but also that her mother had one too. What a thoughtful deed for a fellow worker. When we think of the DAISY Award, we think in terms of kindness and compassion shown to a patient. I think Patrick Barnes would have agreed that recognizing the need for a coworker to be honored and remembered through a headstone is a great example of kindness, thoughtfulness, and truly caring about others.