I consider myself incredibly fortunate to lead the remarkable team of 7SW. There is not a single day that goes by that I am not deeply proud of the care they provide, the compassion they extend, and the resilience they demonstrate while caring for one of our most complex and vulnerable patient populations. This work is mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding, yet this team consistently rises to the challenge with grace, professionalism, and heart. Their pride in what they do is evident in every patient interaction.

While there are countless examples of their extraordinary care, one story in particular will remain with us for years to come. In late December 2024, a patient was admitted to 7SW following a devastating motor vehicle collision. He sustained a cervical fracture that sadly left the patient a quadriplegic. Compounding this tragedy, the patient was from another country and had no family nearby except for his 17-year-old son, and English was not his primary language. He was frightened, isolated, and facing an uncertain future.

What followed was a 312-day hospitalization marked by many ups and downs-but throughout it all, one constant source of hope remained: the 7SW team. From the very beginning, the staff embraced both the patient and his son as family. Early in the admission, it became clear that the patient's son lacked access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Without hesitation, team members brought him clothing, blankets, favorite snacks, and home-cooked meals they hoped would bring comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.

As the patient slowly stabilized, he too became more than a patient-he became part of the 7SW family. He arrived with no personal belongings, and once again, the team stepped in. Staff brought him clothing suitable for therapy, provided a tablet so he could watch movies, purchased a stand that allowed it to be positioned over his bed due to his limited mobility, and set up voice recognition so he could video call his wife. He was regularly treated to home-cooked meals, and staff frequently came in on their days off just to visit-often arriving with sweet treats, which quickly became his favorite.

Over the months, the bond between the patient and the team only grew stronger. He taught staff Spanish, delighted in surprising them with new English words he learned-often from action movies-and greeted them each morning with a "word of the day." These moments of shared laughter and connection became a source of joy for both the patient and the staff.

Nearly one year after his admission, the long-awaited day of discharge finally arrived. The excitement of returning to his home country and reuniting with his wife and young children was matched by the sadness of saying goodbye. On discharge day, many staff members came in on their days off to share final hugs and well-wishes. As he left the building, teams from across the hospital gathered to cheer him on as he began his journey home. There was not a dry eye in sight.

The care and compassion did not end when this patient left our hospital walls. Since returning home, the 7SW team has remained closely connected with this patient and his family with frequent video calls and updates. In partnership with the interpreter team, staff organized a collection to purchase and ship a manual Hoyer lift and have it delivered and set up for the family. Additionally, a 7SW team member's church raised $2,000 to assist with ongoing medical appointments, supplies, and transportation.

Upon receiving the funds, his wife shared that she "fell to the ground thanking God." Without those funds, she would not be able to continue to pay for her husband's ongoing physical therapy and doctors' appointments. Before the patient's son could return home to be with his family, he was assisted by staff through the process of obtaining his passport and spent Christmas with one of our nurses and her family so he would not be alone.

I cannot think of a story that more fully embodies our mission and values than what this team-and so many collaborating departments-demonstrated throughout this patient's journey. Everyone who was a part of this patient's care deserves recognition for all of their efforts, but there are a few I would like to personally call out for going above and beyond. Wendy Ramirez, Unit Assist, Tamara Solis RN, Juanita Fenn RN, Talia Brown RN, Lexi Schmelzer CNA, Kelly Underberg CNA, Natalie Jacobson, CNA, Hannah Vandermolen RN, Jamie Prochnow RN, Savannah Nesvik RN, Molly Hundley RN, Wendy Johnson RN, Stacey Salas RN, Case Manager, Rachel Novakovic OT, the entire interpreter team, and our Trauma and Neurosurgical providers.

We work with some pretty amazing individuals, and I am so proud to call them all coworkers. Through our exceptional healthcare services, we truly revealed the healing presence of God.

This is the 2nd DAISY Team Award for 7SW!