July 2026 Honoree
Delaney Darling, RN
For two days, I watched Eliza Palow and Delaney Darling provide far more than standard nursing care for their patient. She was in profound cardiogenic shock, requiring a PA catheter, multiple pressors, and constant nursing attention. The first day of their care was focused on stabilizing her enough so that meaningful conversations about comfort measures could begin. These conversations involved the patient, her family, the physicians, and Eliza and Delaney, who advocated for her every step of the way.
What followed the next day was something I will never forget. The day became a celebration of her life. The room was filled with laughter and creativity as we spent the day honoring her in ways that mattered to her. We played with play dough, painted and drew on the windows, decorated the room with streamers, and made her a crown. Her favorite music, Johnny Cash, played through the TV. The entire day was centered around her, and Eliza made it truly special.
When the time came, she asked us all to stay with her. Eliza, Delaney, I, and the physician remained at her side. We held her hand and shared our favorite moments we had with her. We laughed together and tried not to cry. It was a peaceful and beautiful passing, made possible by the care, presence, and compassion of Eliza and Delaney.
Over those two days, I watched them advocate fiercely for life-saving care when it was needed, and then just as fiercely advocate for comfort when the time came. Throughout it all, Eliza never faltered. She continued to educate and support Delaney, precepting her and guiding her through this profound transition in care. The two worked in harmony, providing thoughtful, skilled, and deeply compassionate care.
Because of them, this patient’s final moments were filled not with fear, but with love, celebration, comfort, and even laughter. The compassion and humanity they showed during those two days are something I will never forget, and it is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact nurses can have at the most vulnerable moments of a patient’s life.
What followed the next day was something I will never forget. The day became a celebration of her life. The room was filled with laughter and creativity as we spent the day honoring her in ways that mattered to her. We played with play dough, painted and drew on the windows, decorated the room with streamers, and made her a crown. Her favorite music, Johnny Cash, played through the TV. The entire day was centered around her, and Eliza made it truly special.
When the time came, she asked us all to stay with her. Eliza, Delaney, I, and the physician remained at her side. We held her hand and shared our favorite moments we had with her. We laughed together and tried not to cry. It was a peaceful and beautiful passing, made possible by the care, presence, and compassion of Eliza and Delaney.
Over those two days, I watched them advocate fiercely for life-saving care when it was needed, and then just as fiercely advocate for comfort when the time came. Throughout it all, Eliza never faltered. She continued to educate and support Delaney, precepting her and guiding her through this profound transition in care. The two worked in harmony, providing thoughtful, skilled, and deeply compassionate care.
Because of them, this patient’s final moments were filled not with fear, but with love, celebration, comfort, and even laughter. The compassion and humanity they showed during those two days are something I will never forget, and it is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact nurses can have at the most vulnerable moments of a patient’s life.
Thank you, Delaney, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees