Marisa Palmer
February 2026
Marisa
Palmer
,
BSN, RN, OCN
8 North
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
New Hyde Park
,
NY
United States
Because of these three nurses, a family received a moment they will carry with them forever. In just a few days, the patient unfortunately passed away. But because of Siara, Ava, and Marissa, she and her family were given something priceless: love, dignity, joy, and a memory that will never fade.
Some nurses care for patients.
Some nurses change lives.
Siara, Ava, and Marissa did both.
For weeks, these three extraordinary nurses cared for a young patient whose courageous battle with cancer deeply touched every one of us. When she eventually left 9S and transferred to 8N, her spirit and love stayed behind with us, and we knew we could not let her journey continue without us. Every single day Siara worked, she went to visit her. If the patient was sleeping, Siara would return later, never wanting to miss an opportunity to offer comfort, presence, or love.
When the patient was transferred to the Medical ICU, Siara continued visiting her daily there as well, until she returned once again to 8N. Her dedication was unwavering, selfless, and deeply human. While on 8N, we learned that the patient’s battle with cancer was swiftly coming to an end. During one visit, it was clear how hard she was fighting, yet she smiled anyway. Sitting across from her daughter, eating White Castle, she casually mentioned that all she wanted was lemon and mango Luigi’s Italian ice. Without hesitation and without saying a word, I watched Siara take out her phone and place an Instacart order for exactly that. The very next day, she brought it to the patient and surprised her. The joy on her face was indescribable, and her big, bright smile pierced our hearts as she said, “I love you guys.”
But the compassion didn’t stop there.
Ava and Marissa learned that the patient’s sister was scheduled to be married in February, yet the patient only had weeks to live and was supposed to be leaving to go to a hospice facility. Knowing how important this was to the patient and family, they were determined to find the yes in what seemed like an impossible task against time. They approached us with the idea of bringing the wedding to the patient, and together, we were determined to make it happen.
In just two days, a hospital nurses’ station and hallway were completely transformed. Candles and hearts lined the walls. The patient’s hair and makeup were done, and she wore her beautiful pink dress with pride. Her sister stood in a white wedding gown beside her fiancé in his suit, the wedding cake arrived and staff from multiple departments lined the hallway in support. Siara came in on her day off with balloons, and Ava, though falling ill herself, coordinated tirelessly from home, checking in, making arrangements, and ensuring every detail was absolutely perfect.
Then … the final obstacle arose, finding an officiant. But when cancellation seemed imminent, Marissa once again found the yes. With a heart full of compassion and determination, right there and then, she went online, became ordained, put on a white lab coat, and officiated the wedding herself.
Because of these three nurses, a family received a moment they will carry with them forever. In just a few days, the patient unfortunately passed away. But because of Siara, Ava, and Marissa, she and her family were given something priceless: love, dignity, joy, and a memory that will never fade. These three nurses are the epitome of what nursing truly is: compassion, determination, humanity, and heart. They have inspired me. They have motivated me. They have reminded me that while education is essential, the heart of nursing cannot be taught; it is simply embedded within you.
These ladies deserve their flowers, and it is with the greatest honor that I submit this for the ultimate flower, a well-deserved Triple DAISY Award for Siara, Ava, and Marissa.
Some nurses change lives.
Siara, Ava, and Marissa did both.
For weeks, these three extraordinary nurses cared for a young patient whose courageous battle with cancer deeply touched every one of us. When she eventually left 9S and transferred to 8N, her spirit and love stayed behind with us, and we knew we could not let her journey continue without us. Every single day Siara worked, she went to visit her. If the patient was sleeping, Siara would return later, never wanting to miss an opportunity to offer comfort, presence, or love.
When the patient was transferred to the Medical ICU, Siara continued visiting her daily there as well, until she returned once again to 8N. Her dedication was unwavering, selfless, and deeply human. While on 8N, we learned that the patient’s battle with cancer was swiftly coming to an end. During one visit, it was clear how hard she was fighting, yet she smiled anyway. Sitting across from her daughter, eating White Castle, she casually mentioned that all she wanted was lemon and mango Luigi’s Italian ice. Without hesitation and without saying a word, I watched Siara take out her phone and place an Instacart order for exactly that. The very next day, she brought it to the patient and surprised her. The joy on her face was indescribable, and her big, bright smile pierced our hearts as she said, “I love you guys.”
But the compassion didn’t stop there.
Ava and Marissa learned that the patient’s sister was scheduled to be married in February, yet the patient only had weeks to live and was supposed to be leaving to go to a hospice facility. Knowing how important this was to the patient and family, they were determined to find the yes in what seemed like an impossible task against time. They approached us with the idea of bringing the wedding to the patient, and together, we were determined to make it happen.
In just two days, a hospital nurses’ station and hallway were completely transformed. Candles and hearts lined the walls. The patient’s hair and makeup were done, and she wore her beautiful pink dress with pride. Her sister stood in a white wedding gown beside her fiancé in his suit, the wedding cake arrived and staff from multiple departments lined the hallway in support. Siara came in on her day off with balloons, and Ava, though falling ill herself, coordinated tirelessly from home, checking in, making arrangements, and ensuring every detail was absolutely perfect.
Then … the final obstacle arose, finding an officiant. But when cancellation seemed imminent, Marissa once again found the yes. With a heart full of compassion and determination, right there and then, she went online, became ordained, put on a white lab coat, and officiated the wedding herself.
Because of these three nurses, a family received a moment they will carry with them forever. In just a few days, the patient unfortunately passed away. But because of Siara, Ava, and Marissa, she and her family were given something priceless: love, dignity, joy, and a memory that will never fade. These three nurses are the epitome of what nursing truly is: compassion, determination, humanity, and heart. They have inspired me. They have motivated me. They have reminded me that while education is essential, the heart of nursing cannot be taught; it is simply embedded within you.
These ladies deserve their flowers, and it is with the greatest honor that I submit this for the ultimate flower, a well-deserved Triple DAISY Award for Siara, Ava, and Marissa.