July 2026 Honoree
LeeAnna Sanders, BSN, RN
We had a critical 5-week-old patient who was being flown out. LeeAnna offered to stay with the patient 1:1 until Medflight arrived so that the parents could get a head start on driving to Nationwide Children's. LeeAnna had a list of other tasks at the moment but chose to show empathy and compassion toward the parents by staying with their child so they could head to Columbus.
At first, the mom was nervous, but after watching LeeAnna care for her child, she realized she could trust her. LeeAnna stayed with the baby until they placed him in the helicopter. She then came down to the ED and immediately called the patient's mom to update her and reassure her. LeeAnna's care and compassion made a difference with that patient and his parents. This is the type of care that builds a lifetime of trust. LeeAnna had made an extraordinary connection with the parents.
No one asked LeeAnna to do this; she wanted to support the family, and knowing they were worried about not being there when the helicopter arrived, she decided to do what was best for them in that moment. She is a fantastic example of compassionate care.
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During an incredibly busy shift in the Emergency Department, LeeAnna was caring for a critically ill patient while balancing numerous competing responsibilities. Despite the demands around her, she chose to stay fully present with the patient and their parents until the MedFlight team arrived.
Recognizing the fear and uncertainty the parents were experiencing, LeeAnna offered more than exceptional clinical care—she provided comfort, reassurance, and hope. Her calm demeanor, genuine compassion, and clear communication helped turn an overwhelming, terrifying situation into one where the family felt supported and cared for. They quickly placed their trust in LeeAnna because she took the time to listen, explain what was happening, and simply be there when they needed someone most.
LeeAnna's actions remind us that nursing is not only about delivering expert medical care but also about caring for the hearts of patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. She demonstrated extraordinary compassion by choosing presence over haste, ensuring that this family never felt alone during a life-changing event.
LeeAnna consistently exemplifies compassionate, connected care. She is a remarkable nurse whose kindness, empathy, and dedication leave a lasting impact on every patient and family she serves. I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award.
At first, the mom was nervous, but after watching LeeAnna care for her child, she realized she could trust her. LeeAnna stayed with the baby until they placed him in the helicopter. She then came down to the ED and immediately called the patient's mom to update her and reassure her. LeeAnna's care and compassion made a difference with that patient and his parents. This is the type of care that builds a lifetime of trust. LeeAnna had made an extraordinary connection with the parents.
No one asked LeeAnna to do this; she wanted to support the family, and knowing they were worried about not being there when the helicopter arrived, she decided to do what was best for them in that moment. She is a fantastic example of compassionate care.
***
During an incredibly busy shift in the Emergency Department, LeeAnna was caring for a critically ill patient while balancing numerous competing responsibilities. Despite the demands around her, she chose to stay fully present with the patient and their parents until the MedFlight team arrived.
Recognizing the fear and uncertainty the parents were experiencing, LeeAnna offered more than exceptional clinical care—she provided comfort, reassurance, and hope. Her calm demeanor, genuine compassion, and clear communication helped turn an overwhelming, terrifying situation into one where the family felt supported and cared for. They quickly placed their trust in LeeAnna because she took the time to listen, explain what was happening, and simply be there when they needed someone most.
LeeAnna's actions remind us that nursing is not only about delivering expert medical care but also about caring for the hearts of patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. She demonstrated extraordinary compassion by choosing presence over haste, ensuring that this family never felt alone during a life-changing event.
LeeAnna consistently exemplifies compassionate, connected care. She is a remarkable nurse whose kindness, empathy, and dedication leave a lasting impact on every patient and family she serves. I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, LeeAnna, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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