Denise Driscoll

Pictured (l-r): Gary Perecko, President of Riddle Hospital; Ann Marie Brooks, Vice President of Nursing; the nominating patient; Denise Driscoll, DAISY Nurse; the patient's wife; Bonnie and Mark Barnes, Co-founders of The DAISY Foundation.

DAISY LETTER TO DENISE DRISCOLL

I’ve been thinking of writing this letter for a long time.  It’s long overdue.  Expressing my feelings with the written word has always been difficult.  Here goes!

I was hospitalized in August of last year for a heart bypass operation.  There were complications after surgery with the chest wound opening up and getting infected.  I spent 4 months in Lankenau Hospital and 1 month at Riddle.  The care I received at both hospitals was excellent.  All of my nurses were very caring.

When I arrived at Riddle I was very tired and on the verge of giving up.  My chest cavity still had not healed and I was so weak I could not walk.  I really didn’t feel I was ready for physical therapy. You realized that getting me into physical therapy was a must if I wanted to walk again.  You very strongly insisted it was in my best interest to go.  You told me that you would take me if you had to.  Not wanting to be embarrassed I reluctantly went on my own.

Although it isn’t part of your job description, you checked on my progress everyday and told me how well I was doing.  Therapy got better and the positive feedback really helped me.  Things were beginning to improve.  You helped turn months of doom and gloom into hope and eventual recovery.  Because of you, life was beginning to be fun again.  Your attitude was great.  I enjoyed your company. I looked forward to seeing you every day.  I learned that one person really can make a difference.

I honestly don’t know when or if I eventually would have made it to physical therapy.  I do know that you were the reason I went back when I did. I also know that you checking on my progress and letting me know how I was doing was very important in my recovery.  Due to your efforts it would have been embarrassing not to do well.

As far as I’m concerned you saved my life.  I wanted you to have this letter because I needed you to know this.  Your sense of humor, positive attitude and the fact that you really cared helped turn my life around.  I will never forget everything you did for me.

Thanks for making a difference.