I'm a Spanish interpreter for Ascension Seton. From time to time we are requested to go to in-person appointments. I met nurse Lilly at Dell Children's Medical Center during one of those encounters. I've never seen anyone fight so fiercely for a patient's family the way she did.

In this encounter, the patient's mother needed to successfully do a tracheostomy change and cleaning before the patient could go home. Lilly mentioned to me that the doctors didn't think that the mother is capable of doing this kind of care for her child. Lilly disagreed with them and felt that the language barrier may have something to do with that sentiment. Lilly told me that she has seen the mother do the tracheostomy care many times, and knows the mother is capable of doing this; she only needs some encouragement. Lilly said this type of care can be very intense and could be even more overwhelming for the mother since English isn't her first language. While I stayed with a couple of nurses in the room to do the tracheostomy change and cleaning, Lilly went to the care conference to speak with the medical staff and advocate for the mother.

When the mother and I joined the care conference, I was able to see that Lilly’s efforts made a difference. The medical staff congratulated the mother for doing an awesome job, and offered her tools and support for the tracheostomy care at home. After the care conference, Lilly asked me to help write a calendar in Spanish for the mother so she can know in her own language what the plan is for the upcoming days. Lilly also offered to make a copy of the calendar for the grandmother so she can be informed of the plan as well. Before leaving the room, Lilly congratulated the mother for being a supermom, told her she was very proud of her, and gave her a warm hug. Lilly’s service to the patient's family was extraordinary. I know she truly made a difference in the life of this family. She is a true DAISY Nurse. 

This is Lilly's 2nd DAISY Award!