June 2026 Honoree
Kaitlyn Niklos, BSN, RN
I'd like to nominate Kaitlyn for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care she provided to our late daughter during her time in the PICU at UW American Family Children's Hospital.
Kaitlyn went far beyond what we ever could have expected from a nurse. During the most devastating and unimaginable moments of our lives, she stayed by our side with unwavering compassion and strength. She answered every question with patience and honesty, and she spoke to us with such gentleness and empathy as we faced the unthinkable decisions surrounding our daughter's care.
Kaitlyn didn't just care for our daughter medically; she cared for us as parents. She held my hand as I cried. She wrapped me in hugs when my heart was breaking. In the middle of the night, around 3 a.m., she organized five other nurses to help move my daughter into a larger bed so I could lie beside my daughter one last time. I will carry that act of kindness with me forever.
She also helped us create lasting memories by taking my daughter's handprints and footprints, carefully making multiple copies so we could bring them home and share them with our family. Those keepsakes are treasures we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Kaitlyn embodies what it truly means to be a nurse. She is deeply compassionate, profoundly caring, and brings a level of humanity to her work that goes far beyond clinical excellence. In our darkest hours, she was a light. We will never forget the love and dignity she showed our daughter and us.
She more than deserves the DAISY Award.
Kaitlyn went far beyond what we ever could have expected from a nurse. During the most devastating and unimaginable moments of our lives, she stayed by our side with unwavering compassion and strength. She answered every question with patience and honesty, and she spoke to us with such gentleness and empathy as we faced the unthinkable decisions surrounding our daughter's care.
Kaitlyn didn't just care for our daughter medically; she cared for us as parents. She held my hand as I cried. She wrapped me in hugs when my heart was breaking. In the middle of the night, around 3 a.m., she organized five other nurses to help move my daughter into a larger bed so I could lie beside my daughter one last time. I will carry that act of kindness with me forever.
She also helped us create lasting memories by taking my daughter's handprints and footprints, carefully making multiple copies so we could bring them home and share them with our family. Those keepsakes are treasures we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Kaitlyn embodies what it truly means to be a nurse. She is deeply compassionate, profoundly caring, and brings a level of humanity to her work that goes far beyond clinical excellence. In our darkest hours, she was a light. We will never forget the love and dignity she showed our daughter and us.
She more than deserves the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Kaitlyn, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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