April 2026 Honoree
Leslie K. Johnston, BSN, RN
We would like to recognize our labor and delivery nurse, Leslie Johnston, for the extraordinary care she provided during the birth of our daughter.
We came into this birth carrying past birth trauma, so the tension was high despite being a scheduled cesarean section. Leslie was calm, kind, filled with peace, and genuine compassion. Leslie and my wife bonded over being UMHB alumni, providing a distraction topic.
We had some special requests that we weren’t sure would be met, such as accompanying my wife into the OR during the entirety of the delivery, including spinal anesthesia. Leslie and Julie advocated for us and made it possible for me to be present during the spinal. Leslie, my wife, and I walked into the OR together. I was able to support her, with Leslie beside me, during the spinal, which she was terrified to have done without me present.
We also requested a clear drape to see our baby immediately after birth and to have skin-to-skin as soon as possible. All of these requests were met.
Because of her, what once felt scary became healing. She transformed our birth experience into one marked by confidence and trust instead of fear. She advocated for us, encouraged us when we felt unsure, and celebrated with us the moment our daughter arrived.
In the most important moment of our lives, she was steady, calm, and deeply compassionate. We will never forget the role she played in one of the most sacred days of our lives. She is the definition of what the DAISY Award represents.
With deep gratitude.
We came into this birth carrying past birth trauma, so the tension was high despite being a scheduled cesarean section. Leslie was calm, kind, filled with peace, and genuine compassion. Leslie and my wife bonded over being UMHB alumni, providing a distraction topic.
We had some special requests that we weren’t sure would be met, such as accompanying my wife into the OR during the entirety of the delivery, including spinal anesthesia. Leslie and Julie advocated for us and made it possible for me to be present during the spinal. Leslie, my wife, and I walked into the OR together. I was able to support her, with Leslie beside me, during the spinal, which she was terrified to have done without me present.
We also requested a clear drape to see our baby immediately after birth and to have skin-to-skin as soon as possible. All of these requests were met.
Because of her, what once felt scary became healing. She transformed our birth experience into one marked by confidence and trust instead of fear. She advocated for us, encouraged us when we felt unsure, and celebrated with us the moment our daughter arrived.
In the most important moment of our lives, she was steady, calm, and deeply compassionate. We will never forget the role she played in one of the most sacred days of our lives. She is the definition of what the DAISY Award represents.
With deep gratitude.
Thank you, Leslie K., for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees