A while back, Marilyn was caring for a male patient, mid 50's, complaining of difficulty breathing. He was in severe respiratory failure and DNR listed. The man had excruciating pain and came to University Hospital with no family locally. He kept asking for someone to please contact his family. Marilyn's patient advocacy plan was first to make sure the patient received the proper pain meds to keep him pain free. She then reassured the man she would do everything she could to connect with his family, which he was estranged from for a number of years. She immediately connected with Family Support Services in best efforts to reach out to the man's family. All this time the patient's condition continued to deteriorate. Marilyn continued to do everything in her power to connect with the patient's family. Unfortunately both Marilyn & Family Services were unsuccessful connecting with the family.

The patient's condition began to worsen and he was becoming increasingly frightened. Marilyn was by his bedside, holding his hand & comforting the patient telling him, "it will all be ok". He soon passed, with Marilyn holding his hand. Marilyn made the patient's final journey as pain free and compassionate as possible. She truly helped make a difference in his life.

Her care inspired me as a Nurse Manager to always do my very best to make a difference in the patients that we care for. I believe Marilyn Celestial exemplifies what the DAISY Award is all about.