April 2026 Honoree
Brittany Lenz-Hanks, BSN, RN
My dear friend and a trusted leader within the organization I run suffered a stroke and was transported by EMS to your facility. Although he fought as long as he could, he passed away.
He was only 65 years old, but I am not sure I have ever met someone more vibrant. Professionally, he carried tremendous responsibility, balancing countless demands with grace and humility. Despite the weight of his role, he never allowed it to burden his spirit. He was deeply respected and genuinely loved by the hundreds of employees who worked under his leadership.
I do not live in Jacksonville, but my colleagues there were able to determine that he had been admitted to the 10th Floor ICU. Having worked in healthcare on and off for nearly three decades, I fully expected that if I called, I would hear the familiar response that staff could "neither confirm nor deny" any information because of HIPAA regulations. Even so, I felt I owed it to him—and to myself—to try to get a message to him.
When I called, I had the privilege of speaking with Brittany.
She listened patiently as I explained who I was and asked if she might simply pass along a message to him. I wanted him to know that his team had everything under control, that all of his responsibilities were covered, that he didn't need to worry about work, and that he only needed to focus on getting better. I also wanted him to know that we were all thinking of him and sending our love and support.
What happened next was something I will never forget. Without hesitation, Brittany acted immediately. Within approximately 15 minutes, she personally called me back. She explained that although he had lost much of his ability to communicate clearly because of the stroke, his mind remained sharp. She told me that after delivering my message, he immediately added me to his list of approved contacts. She also shared that he had responded in his own way, letting her know that he was okay and that he appreciated me checking on him.
None of us knew how quickly his condition would deteriorate. I never had the opportunity to say goodbye. But because Brittany chose to go above and beyond, because she cared enough to become the bridge between two people during an unimaginably difficult moment, and because she took the time to personally call me back within minutes, I was given one final opportunity to let a remarkable man know how much he was loved and appreciated.
That gift is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Brittany demonstrated a level of compassion, professionalism, and humanity that cannot be taught. She recognized that nursing extends far beyond clinical care—it includes preserving human connection when it matters most.
During one of the most painful moments of my life, Brittany gave me a priceless gift. For that, I will be forever grateful.
She embodies everything the DAISY Award represents and is profoundly deserving of this recognition.
He was only 65 years old, but I am not sure I have ever met someone more vibrant. Professionally, he carried tremendous responsibility, balancing countless demands with grace and humility. Despite the weight of his role, he never allowed it to burden his spirit. He was deeply respected and genuinely loved by the hundreds of employees who worked under his leadership.
I do not live in Jacksonville, but my colleagues there were able to determine that he had been admitted to the 10th Floor ICU. Having worked in healthcare on and off for nearly three decades, I fully expected that if I called, I would hear the familiar response that staff could "neither confirm nor deny" any information because of HIPAA regulations. Even so, I felt I owed it to him—and to myself—to try to get a message to him.
When I called, I had the privilege of speaking with Brittany.
She listened patiently as I explained who I was and asked if she might simply pass along a message to him. I wanted him to know that his team had everything under control, that all of his responsibilities were covered, that he didn't need to worry about work, and that he only needed to focus on getting better. I also wanted him to know that we were all thinking of him and sending our love and support.
What happened next was something I will never forget. Without hesitation, Brittany acted immediately. Within approximately 15 minutes, she personally called me back. She explained that although he had lost much of his ability to communicate clearly because of the stroke, his mind remained sharp. She told me that after delivering my message, he immediately added me to his list of approved contacts. She also shared that he had responded in his own way, letting her know that he was okay and that he appreciated me checking on him.
None of us knew how quickly his condition would deteriorate. I never had the opportunity to say goodbye. But because Brittany chose to go above and beyond, because she cared enough to become the bridge between two people during an unimaginably difficult moment, and because she took the time to personally call me back within minutes, I was given one final opportunity to let a remarkable man know how much he was loved and appreciated.
That gift is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Brittany demonstrated a level of compassion, professionalism, and humanity that cannot be taught. She recognized that nursing extends far beyond clinical care—it includes preserving human connection when it matters most.
During one of the most painful moments of my life, Brittany gave me a priceless gift. For that, I will be forever grateful.
She embodies everything the DAISY Award represents and is profoundly deserving of this recognition.
Thank you, Brittany, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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