Luz Llanes displayed extraordinary dedication, urgency, and compassion during a time-sensitive and emotionally complex transplant case. On Sunday, one of our liver transplant evaluation patients received devastating news: a close friend had been in an accident and was declared brain dead. In an incredible act of generosity, the donor’s family expressed their wish to directly donate their loved one’s liver to our patient. The only problem was that the patient was not yet active on the transplant list, with a few critical steps in the evaluation process still pending.

When Luz learned about the situation first thing Monday morning, she immediately sprang into action. Understanding that lives are lost every day on the transplant waitlist, Luz recognized the urgency and mobilized quickly to ensure this patient had a chance at a life-saving transplant. Luz coordinated across multiple departments, including mammography, infectious disease, gynecology, and pathology, to fast-track all remaining tests and clearances. She personally reached out to explain the gravity of the situation, and her persistence and clarity moved every team involved to prioritize the patient.

By Tuesday at 12:35 PM, the patient had completed a mammogram, pap smear, infectious disease clearance, and received pathology results. By 1:00 PM, Luz had successfully listed the patient for transplant—just in time to be considered for the directed donation. Miraculously, the donor and recipient were a perfect match. Thanks to Luz’s relentless efforts, the patient received a life-saving liver transplant from her friend on Wednesday.

Luz exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for—clinical excellence, fierce patient advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to making the impossible possible. She made a life-saving difference, and we are so grateful for her.