I recently was hospitalized following surgery for a very rare case of 2 primary cancers. After an intense 10-hour surgery to both my breast and rectum, recovery was not as swift as I hoped, and I found myself in the hospital for a full week post-surgery. 

Johnny was my nurse for 4 shifts during my stay, and I truly believe he made all the difference in my getting strong enough, both mentally and physically, to be released from the hospital and make it back home. Aside from demonstrating deep expertise in the medical aspects of my treatment (answering my many questions about healing and medicine with patience and wisdom), he went above and beyond, bringing a human aspect to the care he provided. He held my hand and helped me bring positivity and focus during my drain removals, he cheered me on when I finally got out of bed and was able to walk down the hallway with PT, and he paused for conversation as I contemplated and reflected on my hospital and cancer treatment experience, whether it was the start of his shift or 2 am, he was there for me. I also believe he might have stayed after his shift to see me off when the ambulance came to pick me up even though he was not my discharge nurse and could have been off resting or having fun. 

Johnny brought warmth, humor, and compassion to a situation that can bring even the strongest of us down and humble us in our need for others to care. He helped me find joy and a path to wellness in my stay, and for that I will forever be grateful. I truly hope he is celebrated, with this award and for what he does for patients each and every day.

Note: This is Johnny's 2nd DAISY Award!