August 2026 Honoree
JoAnn Calingay, MSN, RN, CCRN
JoAnn Calingay demonstrated extraordinary compassion, kindness, and inspiration while caring for a patient in the 3F Neuro ICU.
During one of our patients’ hospitalizations, her 11-year-old grandson came to visit. He was curious and asked JoAnn many thoughtful questions about nursing and what nurses do. During their conversation, he shared that he hoped to become a nurse one day.
JoAnn immediately recognized the significance of this moment—not just for him, but for the entire family. The patient later became emotional, sharing that he would be the first in the family to attend college.
Moved by his curiosity and dreams, JoAnn went far beyond her role as a bedside nurse. On her own time and using her own money, she thoughtfully put together a “Nurse Starter Bag” for him. The bag included a stethoscope, thermometer, bandages, dressing change supplies, alcohol swabs, a bouffant, and scrubs—items chosen to encourage learning, imagination, and excitement about healthcare.
Even more meaningful, JoAnn wrote him a personal letter to include in the bag, offering encouragement, support, and belief in his future. When the patient overheard JoAnn’s words and learned what she had done for his grandson, she was brought to tears. This simple but powerful act provided hope, pride, and joy during an incredibly vulnerable time for the family.
JoAnn didn’t just care for her patient’s medical needs—she cared for the family’s future.
JoAnn exemplifies the true spirit of the DAISY Award. Her compassion extended beyond the bedside, leaving a lasting impression on a young boy, uplifting a family, and inspiring the next generation of nurses. Her actions remind us that nursing is not just a profession, but a calling rooted in humanity, generosity, and the heart.
Copy of the letter:
Dear (Patient's Grandson),
We were so excited to hear that you might want to be a nurse one day—just like us! Nursing is an amazing career where you get to help people, make a real difference, and be a hero every single day.
We hope you keep dreaming big and follow this path as you grow up. One of the best parts about being a nurse is learning how to take great care of the people we love, like our own families. It’s also a career that lets you work hard, have fun, and enjoy a great life—plus it’s pretty awesome to be able to spoil your family along the way!
We made a special gift just for you: a Nurse Starter Bag! Have fun playing with the stethoscope and listening to your heart, lungs, and tummy. Our bodies make some pretty cool and funny sounds!
Whenever you’re ready for nursing school (no rush!), we’ll still be here cheering you on and happy to help you every step of the way.
Keep being curious, kind, and brave—we can’t wait to see what you become.
During one of our patients’ hospitalizations, her 11-year-old grandson came to visit. He was curious and asked JoAnn many thoughtful questions about nursing and what nurses do. During their conversation, he shared that he hoped to become a nurse one day.
JoAnn immediately recognized the significance of this moment—not just for him, but for the entire family. The patient later became emotional, sharing that he would be the first in the family to attend college.
Moved by his curiosity and dreams, JoAnn went far beyond her role as a bedside nurse. On her own time and using her own money, she thoughtfully put together a “Nurse Starter Bag” for him. The bag included a stethoscope, thermometer, bandages, dressing change supplies, alcohol swabs, a bouffant, and scrubs—items chosen to encourage learning, imagination, and excitement about healthcare.
Even more meaningful, JoAnn wrote him a personal letter to include in the bag, offering encouragement, support, and belief in his future. When the patient overheard JoAnn’s words and learned what she had done for his grandson, she was brought to tears. This simple but powerful act provided hope, pride, and joy during an incredibly vulnerable time for the family.
JoAnn didn’t just care for her patient’s medical needs—she cared for the family’s future.
JoAnn exemplifies the true spirit of the DAISY Award. Her compassion extended beyond the bedside, leaving a lasting impression on a young boy, uplifting a family, and inspiring the next generation of nurses. Her actions remind us that nursing is not just a profession, but a calling rooted in humanity, generosity, and the heart.
Copy of the letter:
Dear (Patient's Grandson),
We were so excited to hear that you might want to be a nurse one day—just like us! Nursing is an amazing career where you get to help people, make a real difference, and be a hero every single day.
We hope you keep dreaming big and follow this path as you grow up. One of the best parts about being a nurse is learning how to take great care of the people we love, like our own families. It’s also a career that lets you work hard, have fun, and enjoy a great life—plus it’s pretty awesome to be able to spoil your family along the way!
We made a special gift just for you: a Nurse Starter Bag! Have fun playing with the stethoscope and listening to your heart, lungs, and tummy. Our bodies make some pretty cool and funny sounds!
Whenever you’re ready for nursing school (no rush!), we’ll still be here cheering you on and happy to help you every step of the way.
Keep being curious, kind, and brave—we can’t wait to see what you become.
Thank you, JoAnn, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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