I would like to nominate Ashley Adams for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary care and compassion she showed during the birth of my son, G. 

Ashley had also been my labor and delivery nurse during the birth of my first child, and her kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression. When I returned to Patewood for my scheduled induction, I was already anxious—our son had been diagnosed with IUGR at 36 weeks, and I knew just enough, as a nurse myself, to be afraid when his heart rate began to decelerate with each contraction. 

Although Ashley was not my assigned nurse that day, she was one of the first to come into the room when things took a frightening turn. My husband and I immediately recognized her, and her presence alone brought us a deep sense of comfort. She stepped in without hesitation and stayed with us through G’s delivery, offering steady reassurance and guidance. 

When I told her I was scared, Ashley gave me the confidence I needed to push. With her support, G was born in just a few pushes—even though he came out with the umbilical cord tightly wrapped around his neck and needed CPAP support for 20 minutes. It was just my husband and me in the room, and we were both shaken. In the whirlwind of fear and concern for our son, we didn’t even think to take photos. But Ashley did. She gently took my phone and captured G’s first moments and our first pictures as a family—photos we now treasure more than words can say. 

G went on to face persistent hypoglycemia, a nursery stay, and a postnatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta, requiring heart surgery at MUSC. We’ve since met many incredible nurses through our journey—but Ashley remains unforgettable. Her compassion, calm strength, and intuitive care helped bring our son into the world safely and gave us peace during one of the scariest moments of our lives. 

Now, at 10 weeks old, G is doing well and is the happiest little boy. We are forever grateful to Ashley for being there when it mattered most.