My daughter has spent 60 of the last 104 days at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, arriving via air ambulance in July 2025 from Iowa. We came here desperately searching for care that could save her life. Her journey has been marked by profound pain, medical complexity, and fear.

Throughout these challenges, one constant has stood out above all else: the extraordinary compassion, skill, and dedication of the nursing staff at UW Health. While we have encountered many remarkable nurses during her time here, her recent stay on D6/5 deserves special recognition.

From the moment she arrived on the unit, it was clear this team was exceptional. In those early days, nurses Nate, Olivia, Maura, and Roane cared for her during continuous vomiting, retching, and severe pain. Although details blur when your child is suffering so intensely, what remained unmistakable was their kindness, gentle presence, and genuine commitment to meeting her needs.

As my daughter's condition unexpectedly declined over the following days, three nurses in particular went above and beyond in ways I have never before witnessed in over twelve months of hospitalizations across three states: Jie Z, Grace, and Liz. Their consistent presence during those critical days made an immeasurable difference.

She endured seven consecutive days of relentless vomiting and excruciating pain. They adjusted her care to maximize rest, often the only moments she found true relief. They consolidated tasks, protected every minute of sleep she could get, and moved with the softest touch and quietest steps.

I watched Jie enter the room “as quiet as a mouse”, never once startling her, yet always keeping me informed and supported. Her compassion was unwavering.

At one point, overwhelmed and worried, I told Grace I felt I needed to speak with leadership because my daughter was declining. Grace calmly and confidently explained that she had already been communicating with leadership all day on our behalf. She was advocating without being asked, protecting my daughter as fiercely as if she were her own family. After a year of hospitalizations, I have never seen a nurse act so proactively and selflessly behind the scenes.

Liz, who cared for her for several consecutive days, demonstrated an extraordinary ability to collaborate, communicate, and anticipate care needs. She treated me as a valued member of the team, recognizing my year-long, daily role in my daughter's medical journey. She called the pharmacy without hesitation if a medication was delayed. She was always one step ahead, never dismissing a concern, never minimizing a request, and always protecting my daughter's fragile moments of life.

While physicians searched for answers and struggled to understand what was happening, these nurses provided what no diagnostic test or treatment could: comfort, humanity, dignity, and relentless advocacy. When my daughter needed relief from pain or nausea, she never encountered hesitation or judgment from these nurses; they showed only empathy and urgent action.

As a mother watching her child suffer, I cannot put into words what the level of compassion meant. Families do not travel across the country seeking care unless it is their only hope to save someone they love. I know the difference between adequate care, good care, and exceptional care. What this team provided was extraordinary.

When she eventually transferred off the unit, it did not feel like a routine hand-off. These nurses had invested themselves deeply in her fight. They cared for her suffering, they believed in her future, and when she began to improve, their pride and relief were palpable. They were part of her healing, and they knew it.

I understand the DAISY award typically honors one nurse. However, what happened on D6/5 was not the impact of one person; it was the power of a team. Nate, Olivia, Maura, Jie, Grace, and Liz represent the very best of nursing. Their actions changed the trajectory of my daughter’s life and reminded us of profound humanity at the heart of this profession.

Ask them one month, or even one year from now, if they remember her. I am confident they will say yes. They will remember her battle, her courage, and the week they made a lasting difference in a young woman’s life.

I hope you will honor them. They truly deserve it.