We are so appreciative of the nurse who took care of my husband in his last hours in hospice before passing. Although it’s not an easy time to watch your spouse married for 60 years die, when we heard Tony was going to be our night shift nurse we were encouraged and knew he would be in good hands.

I had been a patient of Tony’s when I was previously admitted with a blood clot and had been impressed with his professionalism and expressions of love and caring personality a few months ago. This last time was no different, and even though Tony was busy being a nurse lead and caring for four other patients, he never made us feel rushed and met our needs efficiently.

When my husband had taken his last breath, Tony gave us space to grieve and stayed an hour late after his fifth consecutive shift to bring tissues and support us with whatever else was needed. During this time he became like part of our family. Our whole family could tell he genuinely cared and he is a wonderful nurse. Submitting him for the DAISY Award is just a fraction of the gratitude we feel for the care we received from Tony McCray and Marion Health.