During one of the most heartbreaking moments of our lives, Nurse Makayla was a light in the darkness. My wife and I came to the hospital full of hope, but left carrying a loss no parents ever expect to face. In the middle of that unimaginable pain, Makayla cared for us with a level of compassion, kindness, and humanity that we will never forget. She didn't just perform her duties as a nurse — she truly cared for us as people and as grieving parents.

Makayla treated our baby with dignity and gentleness, and she treated us with patience, empathy, and respect. She took the time to comfort us, explain things when we needed understanding, and simply be present when there weren’t enough words. In a moment when our world felt like it was falling apart, Makayla's warmth, tenderness, and genuine compassion helped carry us through. Her kindness will forever be part of our child’s story and our family’s memory of that day.

Nurses like Makayla embody what the DAISY Award stands for. She reminded us that even in the deepest sorrow, there are people who care profoundly and who show up with extraordinary love for the families they serve. We will always be grateful for the comfort she gave us and the dignity she showed our baby and our family.