June 2026 Honoree
Lesley McNaughton, MSN, RN
My husband has Stage 4 Glioblastoma (brain cancer). He was diagnosed nearly three years ago, and over that time, we have faced many difficult moments together. Last week, however, brought some of the hardest days of his journey.
He was transported by ambulance to our local hospital, where he underwent testing and had an internal catheter placed. The procedure was painful, and after his physicians at RUSH requested a transfer, he waited nearly a day and a half for a bed to become available before being moved to Chicago. When he arrived at RUSH, the internal catheter was removed. It quickly became apparent that he had lost the ability to recognize when he needed to use the bathroom, and by the time it was almost too late. This led to frequent accidents, bed changes, gown changes, cleanups, diaper trials, and the use of an external catheter.
For a man who had been managing these personal needs independently just days earlier, this loss was devastating and deeply embarrassing. The nursing staff consistently worked hard to make him comfortable, but he struggled emotionally with what was happening to his body. At times, he became confused, agitated, or resistant to care. Underneath those reactions was a man experiencing humiliation, grief, and a profound loss of independence.
All the nurses have been amazing, but one stands out to us, Lesley McNaughton. Lesley was the night nurse for my husband from Monday through the next morning. She approached him with a calm, gentle presence and a kindness that immediately put him at ease. She spoke softly, treated him with dignity, and never made him feel like a task to be completed.
She had to remove his external catheter, which involved removing adhesive from a very sensitive area, yet she did so in a way that never agitated or upset him. Later, in the middle of the night, she returned to help clean him, change him, and make him comfortable after another accident.
What struck me most was how peaceful he was with her. During situations that had often caused frustration, embarrassment, or resistance, he trusted her completely. He didn't fight the process. He didn't become upset. He simply allowed her to care for him.
As his wife, I watched a man who was losing control over so many aspects of his life be treated with patience, respect, and genuine compassion. Lesley saw beyond the diagnosis, beyond the accidents, and beyond the difficult behaviors. She saw a human being having one of the worst days of his life and cared for him accordingly.
Nursing is more than medical skill. It is the ability to preserve a person's dignity when they feel they have lost it. Lesley exemplified that calling. Her kindness brought comfort not only to my husband but also to me during an incredibly painful time.
I will never forget the difference she made. I am deeply grateful for her compassion, her professionalism, and the extraordinary care she provided to my husband when he needed it most. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Lesley for the DAISY Award.
He was transported by ambulance to our local hospital, where he underwent testing and had an internal catheter placed. The procedure was painful, and after his physicians at RUSH requested a transfer, he waited nearly a day and a half for a bed to become available before being moved to Chicago. When he arrived at RUSH, the internal catheter was removed. It quickly became apparent that he had lost the ability to recognize when he needed to use the bathroom, and by the time it was almost too late. This led to frequent accidents, bed changes, gown changes, cleanups, diaper trials, and the use of an external catheter.
For a man who had been managing these personal needs independently just days earlier, this loss was devastating and deeply embarrassing. The nursing staff consistently worked hard to make him comfortable, but he struggled emotionally with what was happening to his body. At times, he became confused, agitated, or resistant to care. Underneath those reactions was a man experiencing humiliation, grief, and a profound loss of independence.
All the nurses have been amazing, but one stands out to us, Lesley McNaughton. Lesley was the night nurse for my husband from Monday through the next morning. She approached him with a calm, gentle presence and a kindness that immediately put him at ease. She spoke softly, treated him with dignity, and never made him feel like a task to be completed.
She had to remove his external catheter, which involved removing adhesive from a very sensitive area, yet she did so in a way that never agitated or upset him. Later, in the middle of the night, she returned to help clean him, change him, and make him comfortable after another accident.
What struck me most was how peaceful he was with her. During situations that had often caused frustration, embarrassment, or resistance, he trusted her completely. He didn't fight the process. He didn't become upset. He simply allowed her to care for him.
As his wife, I watched a man who was losing control over so many aspects of his life be treated with patience, respect, and genuine compassion. Lesley saw beyond the diagnosis, beyond the accidents, and beyond the difficult behaviors. She saw a human being having one of the worst days of his life and cared for him accordingly.
Nursing is more than medical skill. It is the ability to preserve a person's dignity when they feel they have lost it. Lesley exemplified that calling. Her kindness brought comfort not only to my husband but also to me during an incredibly painful time.
I will never forget the difference she made. I am deeply grateful for her compassion, her professionalism, and the extraordinary care she provided to my husband when he needed it most. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Lesley for the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Lesley, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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