I am honored to nominate the 4NW Oncology Unit for the DAISY Team Award for the extraordinary compassion, dedication, and teamwork they showed in making a patient’s final wish come true. Their efforts extended far beyond clinical care and revealed the very soul of nursing, rooted in healing, comfort, and human dignity during life’s most vulnerable moments. The patient had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was given only two weeks to live. She and her fiancé had been together for over ten years and had always dreamed of getting married. Their wedding had been planned before her diagnosis, and even as her health declined, it remained one of her most treasured wishes. Knowing how little time was left, her fiancé turned to House Supervisor Leslie to ask if there was any way their wedding could still happen. Leslie brought the request to the 4NW team. From that moment, something truly beautiful began. The team quickly united in collaboration with the 3 Wishes team, including Anna and Dr. Neville, and together they brought this dream to life. In just a few days, they created an unforgettable wedding that honored not only the patient’s wish but also her culture, her love story, and her strength.

The ceremony took place in the 15th Street Garden, which had been transformed into a sanctuary of beauty and peace. Ten of the patient’s closest family members gathered as paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting soft golden light through the trees. The garden was decorated in a traditional Japanese style, reflecting the patient’s heritage and perfectly complementing her elegant blue Shiromuku dress. Japanese umbrellas, floral arrangements, and thoughtful personal touches filled the space while wind chimes gently echoed in the background. Staff members gave their time, their creativity, and their hearts. One nurse brought a wedding arch from home and decorated it with soft white fabric, hand-tied flowers, and a custom welcome sign. Origami cranes folded by staff, representing hope and healing, lined the garden path. A nurse played soft piano melodies, performing instrumental versions of the couple’s favorite songs. A local cake shop owned by a cancer survivor donated a beautiful two-tiered wedding cake adorned with fresh blooms and a custom topper. Other local vendors, deeply touched by the patient’s story, offered last-minute floral arrangements and decorations. Sparkling cider and toasting glasses were arranged for the family and guests. The patient’s favorite foods and cookies were catered by the Japanese chef who had originally been scheduled to cook for her wedding. Each guest was served a traditional bento box filled with fish, beef, chicken, and sushi. The menu brought comfort and joy.

On the day of the wedding, the entire floor of the hospital felt alive with emotion. The bride was radiant in her gown, her hair styled gently, and her cheeks brushed with color. She wore a wig she had selected with care, wanting to feel, just for one day, as though she was not living with illness. As she left her room, staff and patients lined the hallways, cheering and wiping away tears. The love in that space was undeniable. In the garden, the palliative care team stood ready to ensure her comfort. She requested to walk down the aisle without oxygen or pain medication. Her oxygen was carefully removed, and the pain pump was disconnected. With her father at her side and a walker for support, she made her way down the decorated garden path, smiling with a quiet strength that moved everyone to tears. Beneath the flowered arch, she and her fiancé exchanged vows as rose petals gently floated to the ground. After the ceremony, the team supported the family with seating and service during the meal. Facilities, EVS, and kitchen staff came together seamlessly to make sure every last detail was perfect, from gathering utensils to helping with last-minute needs like a cake knife and bottle opener.

One week later, the patient passed away peacefully on 4NW, surrounded by the same compassionate team that had walked beside her throughout her final journey. Her passing was deeply emotional for everyone who had come to know her. Yet there was comfort in knowing that her final wish had been fulfilled not only with care but with grace, dignity, and love. This extraordinary event was a living expression of the UCLA Health mission: "To deliver leading edge patient care, research, and education and to improve the health of people in the communities we serve." Every individual involved, from nurses and physicians to environmental services and administrative staff, came together in service of this mission. By honoring this patient's final wish, the team provided more than care. They provided healing through humanity, compassion through action, and peace through presence. The 4NW team turned what could have been a moment of sorrow into a celebration of life and love. Their unity, empathy, and devotion to their patient’s joy reflected the very best of what healthcare can be. For these reasons, I am proud to nominate the 4NW team for the DAISY Team Award.