Marilyn Genaro has been nominated for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, clinical intuition, and dedication to patient care. Marilyn went above and beyond for a pediatric patient in a way that truly exemplifies the spirit of nursing excellence. A toddler was brought into the Emergency Department by her mother, who was concerned that her child may have swallowed a foreign object. Although the initial X-ray did not reveal anything abnormal, the baby continued to cry inconsolably. Despite multiple attempts by staff to soothe the child, nothing seemed to help, and the mother was becoming increasingly distressed.

The team began discussing the possibility of transferring the child to Children’s Hospital Oakland or discharging her with outpatient follow-up.​ That’s when Marilyn stepped in.​ Trusting her instincts as both a nurse and a mother, Marilyn felt that something wasn’t right. She believed that a baby wouldn’t cry like that without a reason. She gently placed her stethoscope on the baby’s lower throat and heard a faint rattling sound. Acting quickly, she called in the respiratory team, who performed suctioning, and to everyone’s surprise, they removed a small sticker lodged in the baby’s throat.​ Thanks to Marilyn’s keen assessment skills and unwavering advocacy, this child was spared a costly and stressful hospital transfer—and potentially a life-threatening situation. Her actions not only brought relief to a frightened mother but also demonstrated the profound impact a nurse can have when they listen to their instincts and act with compassion.​ ​ Thank you, Marilyn, for your dedication, clinical excellence, and heartfelt care.