Karly Kalstrom
January 2026
Karly
Kalstrom
,
BSN, RN
Clinical Trials Research Unit
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix
,
AZ
United States
Knowing she was advocating for me allowed me to rest and trust that I was truly being cared for.
Karly was a light for me during one of the most difficult seasons of my life as a chemotherapy patient. Chemotherapy is physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, and during that time, Karly became more than just my nurse; she became my advocate and my source of comfort.
She was vigilant in making sure my chemotherapy and medications were given on time and safely, never allowing delays to go unnoticed. Knowing she was advocating for me allowed me to rest and trust that I was truly being cared for. What meant even more to me was how Karly took the time to get to know me. She understood my personal life, my fears, and the weight I was carrying beyond getting a diagnosis.
In moments when I felt vulnerable, scared, or overwhelmed, she treated me with dignity, compassion, and genuine kindness. No matter how heavy the day felt, Karly always showed up with a warm smile and a reassuring presence. That smile, paired with her calm demeanor, reminded me that I was not alone and that hope still existed even on the hardest days.
I am also deeply grateful to the entire research team involved in my care. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing treatment made a profound difference in my journey. Together, they created an environment where I felt supported, safe, and genuinely cared for. Karly embodies the heart of nursing, combining clinical excellence with humanity, advocacy, and compassion.
I will forever be thankful for the care I received and strongly believe that she deserves this DAISY Award.
She was vigilant in making sure my chemotherapy and medications were given on time and safely, never allowing delays to go unnoticed. Knowing she was advocating for me allowed me to rest and trust that I was truly being cared for. What meant even more to me was how Karly took the time to get to know me. She understood my personal life, my fears, and the weight I was carrying beyond getting a diagnosis.
In moments when I felt vulnerable, scared, or overwhelmed, she treated me with dignity, compassion, and genuine kindness. No matter how heavy the day felt, Karly always showed up with a warm smile and a reassuring presence. That smile, paired with her calm demeanor, reminded me that I was not alone and that hope still existed even on the hardest days.
I am also deeply grateful to the entire research team involved in my care. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing treatment made a profound difference in my journey. Together, they created an environment where I felt supported, safe, and genuinely cared for. Karly embodies the heart of nursing, combining clinical excellence with humanity, advocacy, and compassion.
I will forever be thankful for the care I received and strongly believe that she deserves this DAISY Award.