April 2026 Honoree
Katie Wheeler 2026, RN
I've submitted Katie Wheeler for a DAISY Award because of the encouragement and belief she gave me during my stay at St. Alphonsus Neuro Trauma Unit due to a stroke.
Waking up after a day or two, I was aware that I was not doing so well with movement (I couldn’t), speech (I just mumbled), or hand-to-eye coordination (not coordinated at all). At the time, I thought this was the end of my functioning as a human being. Recovery was totally unknown to me.
However, what made the difference for me was how Katie expressed her belief in my recovery when I didn’t think there was much hope of recovering.
She did the testing every day and added things to do that were difficult. She tested me in ways that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do, always with patience and purpose. These were moments where she helped me rediscover my abilities, piece by piece.
On days when I felt discouraged or defeated, she remained steady, reminding me that progress was happening, even if I couldn’t see it yet.
One of the most significant parts of my recovery was learning to walk again, and she was right there beside me. She walked with me, step by step, offering both physical support and constant encouragement. When I was concerned, she reassured me. When I hesitated, she gently pushed me forward. And when I succeeded, no matter how small the step, she celebrated it with me.
What really stands out is that I saw she actually believed I was going to be okay, and more importantly, she convinced me of it. Her confidence in my recovery gave me the strength to keep going and be confident that I could make progress.
She didn’t just treat me; she cared for me as a whole person, restoring my hope and dignity along the way. Because of her, I am recovering very quickly today. Her compassion, focus on working, and ability to inspire make her truly deserving of significant recognition, which you folks have as a DAISY Award.
Thank you, Katie.
I am very grateful for what you did when I was at St. Alphonsus.
Waking up after a day or two, I was aware that I was not doing so well with movement (I couldn’t), speech (I just mumbled), or hand-to-eye coordination (not coordinated at all). At the time, I thought this was the end of my functioning as a human being. Recovery was totally unknown to me.
However, what made the difference for me was how Katie expressed her belief in my recovery when I didn’t think there was much hope of recovering.
She did the testing every day and added things to do that were difficult. She tested me in ways that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do, always with patience and purpose. These were moments where she helped me rediscover my abilities, piece by piece.
On days when I felt discouraged or defeated, she remained steady, reminding me that progress was happening, even if I couldn’t see it yet.
One of the most significant parts of my recovery was learning to walk again, and she was right there beside me. She walked with me, step by step, offering both physical support and constant encouragement. When I was concerned, she reassured me. When I hesitated, she gently pushed me forward. And when I succeeded, no matter how small the step, she celebrated it with me.
What really stands out is that I saw she actually believed I was going to be okay, and more importantly, she convinced me of it. Her confidence in my recovery gave me the strength to keep going and be confident that I could make progress.
She didn’t just treat me; she cared for me as a whole person, restoring my hope and dignity along the way. Because of her, I am recovering very quickly today. Her compassion, focus on working, and ability to inspire make her truly deserving of significant recognition, which you folks have as a DAISY Award.
Thank you, Katie.
I am very grateful for what you did when I was at St. Alphonsus.
Thank you, Katie, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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