July 2026 Honoree
Karoline Galea, Staff Nurse III
I would like to recognize Karoline Galea for the extraordinary care she provided to me and my family during my cesarean recovery.
From the moment she introduced herself to us on our second morning in the hospital, there was a warmth about her that was instantly comforting. By the end of that day, I knew I was in great hands and silently hoped that she would be assigned to us for the rest of our stay. Thankfully, that turned out to be the case, and I cannot imagine my recovery without her support.
One example that stands out was when I needed to have an iron infusion. I was nervous about the procedure and delayed it until Karoline’s shift began, simply because she made me feel calm and safe. She reassured me that the infusion would be painless, stayed present to check on me throughout, and gave me the confidence to get through it without fear.
She was also incredibly supportive during some of the most vulnerable moments after surgery. When it was time for me to get up and use the bathroom for the first time, Karoline was both gentle and encouraging. She let me take my time but reminded me to stay strong. Every detail had been thought through: the walker was positioned just right, the pads were ready, and the peri-bottle was filled with warm water. On subsequent trips, she took on more of a coaching role, pushing me to find the strength within myself while still showing kindness and compassion. That balance between tenderness and firmness made all the difference in my recovery.
Karoline didn’t just care for me; she cared for my whole family. She made sure my husband was supported too, taking care of little things without being asked, whether it was clearing food trays, keeping the room tidy, or restocking supplies. She remembered all our names, welcomed my parents warmly when they visited, and treated us like people she genuinely cared about, not just patients.
On our last day, she hugged us goodbye and shared stories from her own experiences, which made her feel even more like a friend than a nurse.
There wasn’t just one moment that defined Karoline’s impact; it was the consistency of her care, her compassion, and her professionalism throughout. She combined skill and proficiency with warmth and humanity in a way that made me feel safe, respected, and cared for during one of the most vulnerable times of my life. By the time we left the hospital, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend.
Karoline is the embodiment of what nursing should be, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the DAISY Award.
From the moment she introduced herself to us on our second morning in the hospital, there was a warmth about her that was instantly comforting. By the end of that day, I knew I was in great hands and silently hoped that she would be assigned to us for the rest of our stay. Thankfully, that turned out to be the case, and I cannot imagine my recovery without her support.
One example that stands out was when I needed to have an iron infusion. I was nervous about the procedure and delayed it until Karoline’s shift began, simply because she made me feel calm and safe. She reassured me that the infusion would be painless, stayed present to check on me throughout, and gave me the confidence to get through it without fear.
She was also incredibly supportive during some of the most vulnerable moments after surgery. When it was time for me to get up and use the bathroom for the first time, Karoline was both gentle and encouraging. She let me take my time but reminded me to stay strong. Every detail had been thought through: the walker was positioned just right, the pads were ready, and the peri-bottle was filled with warm water. On subsequent trips, she took on more of a coaching role, pushing me to find the strength within myself while still showing kindness and compassion. That balance between tenderness and firmness made all the difference in my recovery.
Karoline didn’t just care for me; she cared for my whole family. She made sure my husband was supported too, taking care of little things without being asked, whether it was clearing food trays, keeping the room tidy, or restocking supplies. She remembered all our names, welcomed my parents warmly when they visited, and treated us like people she genuinely cared about, not just patients.
On our last day, she hugged us goodbye and shared stories from her own experiences, which made her feel even more like a friend than a nurse.
There wasn’t just one moment that defined Karoline’s impact; it was the consistency of her care, her compassion, and her professionalism throughout. She combined skill and proficiency with warmth and humanity in a way that made me feel safe, respected, and cared for during one of the most vulnerable times of my life. By the time we left the hospital, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend.
Karoline is the embodiment of what nursing should be, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Karoline, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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