Donna O'Reilly, RN

When my father was brought to the Emergency Department severely neutropenic and in tremendous pain after his first round of chemotherapy, our family was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. He was quickly transferred to the SICU, where he spent three days under Donna O'Reilly's care. Those days were among the most difficult of our lives, but Donna's presence brought comfort, compassion, and dignity to every moment.

Donna cared for my father with extraordinary tenderness and professionalism. She cleaned him gently, percussed his chest to help him breathe, and kept him warm with blankets, always attentive to his comfort and dignity. Her actions weren't just clinical; they were deeply human. She treated him not as a patient, but as a person, with respect and empathy that touched us all. She also cared for us, his family, without hesitation. Donna brought us pillows and sheets so we could sleep in the room with him. She checked in on us constantly, asking if we needed anything, and made sure our questions were answered by contacting the doctors.

Her kindness extended beyond her duties; she made us feel seen, supported, and less alone. My father passed away nine days later, but those three days with Donna remain etched in our hearts. In a time of great pain, she was a source of light. Her compassion, dedication, and grace exemplify everything the DAISY Award stands for. We are forever grateful to Donna O'Reilly. She is not only an exceptional nurse; she is a remarkable human being.