I was beyond elated to find the DAISY Award nomination at the entrance of the hospital. What a wonderful way for patients, such as myself, to really show appreciation for a nurse that exemplified thoughtfulness and compassion for patients in their care. As a former patient in a program offered at TMH, I witnessed Amy Graham, RN, of the Senior Life Solutions, go beyond what I feel was expected of her.

During my participation in the Senior Life Solutions program, I witnessed her not once but twice purchase a meal (with her own money) in the cafeteria for a patient who voiced they had no dinner for the evening and on one occasion, made it a point to celebrate a lonely peer's birthday. This patient cried when presented with a small birthday cake and then reported he hadn't had a birthday cake or birthday celebration in several years. It is through these acts that I feel Amy should be recognized for her compassionate care and thoughtfulness for her patients.

Coming to a program like Senior Life Solutions was difficult for me, dealing with depression can be exhausting, overwhelming, and maybe even humiliating for some, but when you have a nurse like Amy who works hard at making the first day and every day after comfortable, well, all I can say is Senior Life Solutions and Taylorville Memorial Hospital is very lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate nurse Amy. Respectfully, a former and much happier Senior Life Solutions patient.