Ali E. Wentzlaff, R.N., CCRN

Ali in the Mankato ICU was the reason my sister and I were able to make sense of anything during one of the most devastating times of our lives. We were completely overwhelmed and heartbroken, but Ali sat with us in those moments. She listened to us, felt our pain, and spoke to us in a way that made us feel understood. Having someone who could connect with us on that human level meant more than we could ever express. During a time when we didn’t know where to turn or what to do next, we knew we could look to Ali. That kind of compassion goes far beyond the duty of any medical professional. It takes a special kind of person to care for others the way Ali cared for us.

My mom dedicated her entire life to social service. Every day, she worked with people who were struggling, carrying heavy emotional burdens. Even though her work was difficult, she always left those burdens at the door when she came home. She believed deeply in showing up with compassion and doing her best for the next person who needed her.

In many ways, that is exactly what Ali and the team did for us during the final chapter of my mom’s life. They showed compassion, patience, and humanity when we needed it most. We will never forget it. There is no one more deserving of the DAISY Award than Ali. People like her are modern-day heroes who stand beside families in the darkest moments of their lives and bring comfort when it feels like there is none. Thank you, Ali. And thank you to everyone who had a hand in caring for my mom.