It is with deep gratitude and heartfelt admiration that I nominate Livia for the DAISY Award. Over the past year, during our son’s journey in the pediatric cardiothoracic IC, Livia has become so much more than a nurse-she has truly become part of our family. From the very beginning, Livia has gone above and beyond-not only in her exceptional clinical care for our son, but in the way she has cared for our entire family. She has walked alongside us through some of the most difficult and emotional moments of our lives, treating our son with a level of love, gentleness, and dedication that felt as if she were caring for her own child. One moment we will never forget was when Livia took our son back to surgery. Knowing she was by his side in such a vulnerable moment gave us a deep sense of peace and comfort. And after surgery, whether in the PCTU or PACU-she was always there, nursing him back to stability with incredible skill and compassion. Her ability to soothe him, anticipate his needs, and provide both physical and emotional comfort has been nothing short of remarkable.

What makes Livia truly extraordinary, though, is that her care extended far beyond just our son. She embraced our entire family-my husband, our oldest son, and me-with the same kindness and attentiveness. She took the time to connect with our oldest son, making sure he felt included and seen in a world that often revolved around hospital routines. She was a constant source of strength and reassurance for my husband and me, always willing to listen, to comfort, and to simply be present. Livia embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. She is not only an outstanding nurse but also an advocate, a caregiver, a protector, and a true light during some of our darkest days. Her impact on our family is immeasurable, and we are forever grateful for the love, care, and humanity she has shared with us. There is no one more deserving of this recognition than Livia.