August 2026 Honoree
Jennifer Martin, RN, BSN
Jennifer Martin is a JMC 6 HCT PCU nurse who was caring for an oncology patient when she learned that the patient had finished their sixth and final round of chemotherapy. Jen wanted to do something special for her, as this patient had gone through a grueling course of chemotherapy and yet remained so positive and so optimistic, always smiling through any challenges that the lymphoma disease threw her way.
The patient shared with Jen that she loved watching videos of dancers performing the iconic zombie dance “Thriller,” and when Jen shared that she is a part of Thriller SD, a community group known for performing the Michael Jackson dance, the patient was beyond thrilled.
Jen quickly came up with the idea of surprising the patient with a Thriller flash mob dance on the day of her discharge! Jen went to work and organized a group of volunteers from the Thriller SD group to help bring her plan to fruition. Almost 50 people volunteered to perform for her discharge day!
Unfortunately, Jen was told by UCSD Media representatives that she could not bring a large group of dancers to UCSD Jacobs Medical Center. Jen was undeterred and continued to push for a way to bring joy to her patient. She finally received approval to allow 6 dancers to perform outside on the Jacobs lawn.
The day of the patient’s discharge came, and, unbeknownst to her, a small group of dancers and an audience were being assembled by her nurse, Jen, right outside the hospital! With the help of her fellow dancers, Jen Martin, still wearing her scrubs from finishing her shift, brought the performance of Thriller to life on the lawns of Jacobs Medical Center.
The small but spirited group celebrated her milestone with music, joy, and zombie moves that she will never forget! The patient danced and grooved along as the dancers marked the end of her treatment and the spirit of the season.
Jen’s tireless devotion to her patient was on full display that day. Despite being told no at first, and having to work a 12-hour shift on the day of the performance, she stood out as a nurse willing and able to go above and beyond the normal call of duty, to bring joy to her patient!
Jen embodied the spirit of the DAISY Award. She is an extraordinary nurse!
The patient shared with Jen that she loved watching videos of dancers performing the iconic zombie dance “Thriller,” and when Jen shared that she is a part of Thriller SD, a community group known for performing the Michael Jackson dance, the patient was beyond thrilled.
Jen quickly came up with the idea of surprising the patient with a Thriller flash mob dance on the day of her discharge! Jen went to work and organized a group of volunteers from the Thriller SD group to help bring her plan to fruition. Almost 50 people volunteered to perform for her discharge day!
Unfortunately, Jen was told by UCSD Media representatives that she could not bring a large group of dancers to UCSD Jacobs Medical Center. Jen was undeterred and continued to push for a way to bring joy to her patient. She finally received approval to allow 6 dancers to perform outside on the Jacobs lawn.
The day of the patient’s discharge came, and, unbeknownst to her, a small group of dancers and an audience were being assembled by her nurse, Jen, right outside the hospital! With the help of her fellow dancers, Jen Martin, still wearing her scrubs from finishing her shift, brought the performance of Thriller to life on the lawns of Jacobs Medical Center.
The small but spirited group celebrated her milestone with music, joy, and zombie moves that she will never forget! The patient danced and grooved along as the dancers marked the end of her treatment and the spirit of the season.
Jen’s tireless devotion to her patient was on full display that day. Despite being told no at first, and having to work a 12-hour shift on the day of the performance, she stood out as a nurse willing and able to go above and beyond the normal call of duty, to bring joy to her patient!
Jen embodied the spirit of the DAISY Award. She is an extraordinary nurse!
Thank you, Jennifer, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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