August 2026 Honoree
Kristen Balboni, RN, BSN, CPN
I am writing to commend an extraordinary nurse, Kristen Baboni, who cared for my daughter during her stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Duke Children’s Hospital. From the moment we arrived, Kristen’s compassion, skill, and genuine kindness stood out in every single interaction. She went above and beyond for K and for me, making one of the hardest times of our lives a little bit easier through her care and empathy.
K was critically ill, and as a parent, there are no words to describe the fear and helplessness I felt. Kristen immediately became our anchor. She treated K with such tenderness and respect—always explaining what she was doing, talking to her even when she couldn’t respond, and finding small ways to make her more comfortable. She never treated her as just another patient; she treated her like her own child.
What made Kristen truly special was her ability to balance incredible professionalism with heartfelt humanity. She was attentive to every detail—carefully monitoring her vitals, adjusting her care plan when needed, and working seamlessly with the doctors and other nurses to make sure K received the very best care possible. But she also made sure I was okay. She answered my endless questions with patience and kindness, never making me feel like a burden.
On the days when I broke down or felt scared, Kristen was there—not just as a nurse, but as a source of strength and comfort. I will never forget how she celebrated small victories right alongside us—whether it was a better day on the monitor or seeing her open her eyes again. She encouraged hope when I was too afraid to feel it and created a sense of calm when everything felt uncertain. Her presence brought peace not only to K, but to me as a mother. Kristen exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for. Her compassion, dedication, and heart left a lasting mark on our family, and I will forever be grateful for the care she provided to my daughter. She made an impossible experience bearable, and for that, I will always remember her.
K was critically ill, and as a parent, there are no words to describe the fear and helplessness I felt. Kristen immediately became our anchor. She treated K with such tenderness and respect—always explaining what she was doing, talking to her even when she couldn’t respond, and finding small ways to make her more comfortable. She never treated her as just another patient; she treated her like her own child.
What made Kristen truly special was her ability to balance incredible professionalism with heartfelt humanity. She was attentive to every detail—carefully monitoring her vitals, adjusting her care plan when needed, and working seamlessly with the doctors and other nurses to make sure K received the very best care possible. But she also made sure I was okay. She answered my endless questions with patience and kindness, never making me feel like a burden.
On the days when I broke down or felt scared, Kristen was there—not just as a nurse, but as a source of strength and comfort. I will never forget how she celebrated small victories right alongside us—whether it was a better day on the monitor or seeing her open her eyes again. She encouraged hope when I was too afraid to feel it and created a sense of calm when everything felt uncertain. Her presence brought peace not only to K, but to me as a mother. Kristen exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for. Her compassion, dedication, and heart left a lasting mark on our family, and I will forever be grateful for the care she provided to my daughter. She made an impossible experience bearable, and for that, I will always remember her.
Thank you, Kristen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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